Travel Trade Associations
Travel Trade Associations are organizations that represent the interests of various stakeholders within the travel and tourism industry.
These associations play a crucial role in promoting the growth and sustainability of the sector by providing a platform for collaboration, advocacy, education, and networking.
Their membership base can include travel agencies, tour operators, hotel chains, airlines, cruise lines, and destination marketing organizations, among others.
Some of the leading travel trade associations are as follows:
ABT – Association of Business Travellers
AH&LA – American Hotel & Lodging Association
A.I.S.C. – Skal International
ASTA – American Society of Travel Agents
CLIA – Cruise Lines International Association
ETC – European Travel Commission
HSMAI – Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International
IAPA – International Au Pair Association
IATA – International Air Transport Association
IFITT – International Federation of Information Technology & Tourism
IH&RA – International Hotel & Restaurant Association
IIPT – International Institute for Peace through Tourism
PATA – Pacific Asia Travel Association
UIA – Union of International Association
WATA – World Association of Travel Agencies
WFTGA – World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations
WTTC – World Travel & Tourism Council
MICE Associations
MICE, standing for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events, is a commonly used term in Asia and Europe, although it is less favored in North America and Australia. In these regions, the term “Business Events” is more widely accepted. Meanwhile, in the UK, the preferred terminology is “The Meetings Industry.”
Some of the MICE associations are as follows:
AIPC – Association Internationale des Palais de Congress
ATTA – Adventure Travel Trade Association
ALTO – Association of Language Travel Organizations
IAAPA – International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions
IAPCO – International Association of Professional Congress Organizers
ICCA – International Congress & Convention Association
RDA – International Coach Tourism Federation
IFEA – International Festival and Event Association
ISPA – International Spa Association
MPI – Meeting Professional Association
PCMA – Professional Convention & Meeting Association
SITE – Society of Incentive Travel Executives
SATH – Society for the Advancement of Travel for the Handicapped
SIRC – Sport Information Resource Centre
Sports ETA – Sports Events & Tourism Association