PROFESSIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION

Professional Organizations were established to bridge the gap between government and the industry. By working together, they promote a favorable tourism climate.

DIFFERENT PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

The United States Travel Data Center (USTDC)

USTDC is an independent, nonprofit, and educational organization which aims to improve the range and quality of statistical data describing travel and tourism.

 Travel Industry Association of America (TIAA)

TIAA is a nonprofit association of companies and government organizations which was formed to promote travel within the United States. The objective or the organization is to develop and implement programs that benefit the travel supplier consumer.

The programs of TIAA are classified in the following categories: Marketing facilitation- promotes and facilitates travel to and within the United States through the special promotions and travel marts. Tourism Research- works with United States Travel and Tourism Administration(USTTA) and the US Travel Date Center in order to promote and understanding of the economic and social wellbeing of the nationas a result of travel.

 Governmental Affairs- active in legislation issues in an effort to represent views of the travel industry. It assists the government in the development of tourism programs, policies, and legislation. Educational Programs- provides a communication network for travel-related information for educational purposes. Travel Promotion- encourages and promotes reciprocal travel between nations and acts as a watch dog on programs that would restrict travel.

 Travel and Tourism Research Association (TRRA)

TTRA is concerned with travel research, specifically in improving the quality and effectiveness of research in the travel industry. The association aims to maintain current communication in travel research development and methodology occurring in the field. It is concerned with the teaching of tourism and has established communication procedures to support education.

 American Society of Travel Agents(ASTA)

ASTA is one of the largest travel association in the United States. It includes agencies and tour operators in the United States and Canada. ASTA is subdivided into eleven areas. Among its publications are: ASTA Travel News, ASTA Notes, Convention Daily Newspapers, ASTA Rosters, ASTA Travel Correspondence Course.

 Universal Federation of Travel Agents Association (UFTAA)

UFFTA objectives: acts as a negotiating body for the various branches of tourism and travel industries on behalf of travel agents Give professional and technical advice and assistance to travel agencies on world economy and tourism Improve prestige and public recognition of travel agents.

 World Association for Professional Training in Tourism (WAPTT)

The World Association for Professional Training in Tourism is concerned with vocational training.

 Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (CHRIE)

CHRIE is a nonprofit association for schools, colleges and universities offering programs in hotel and restaurant management, food service management and culinary arts. CHRIE works to foster the international advancement of teaching, training, learning, research and practice in the field of hospitality and tourism.

 Association of Travel Marketing Executive (ATME)

ATME is a nonprofit research and educational organization of individual travel marketing executives. ATME aims to assist travel marketing executives toward greater personal achievement, success and satisfaction.

The members of ATME are professionals in an executive or managerial capacity in work that is primarily but not exclusively related to marketing, a travel product or service. A person who involved in creating, developing, or promoting travel or travel products qualifies to be a member.

ATME activities include: Monthly newsletters to and for its members entitled Travel and Tourism Executives Newsletter. Special Reports on travel marketing Encouragement and assistance in developing and promoting regional group chapters and meeting throughout the world. Seminars and workshops of timely interest to ATME affiliates.

 Annual Registry or Registered Travel marketing Professionals and Associates. Possible election to fellow Status

ATME affiliate classifications include:

Registered travel and marketing professional- a career travel marketing executive. He is entitled to all rights and privileges of association and affiliation. Travel marketing associate- students, suppliers and others wishing to participate in ATME programs but do not meet these requirements for registered professionals may become an associate of ATME.

 Fellow- to qualify as fellow, an individual must have been a registered travel marketing professional

 The Society of Travel and Tourism Educators (SOTTE)

SOTTE was founded in 1980. Its original members were only fifteen. At present, there are 300 members representing all levels of travel and tourism educators.

SOTTE aims to: Increase professional knowledge through the interaction with all levels of travel and tourism educators Develop a network of peers with whom the members can learn and grow. Share ideas, strategies, and research with the other members. Promote closer working relationship between educators and the industry.

 Organize meetings and conferences in which travel and tourism educators and industry executives will discuss the education and training needs of the industry. Publish newsletter with the latest information on educational issues , opportunities, and resources. Promote the image and understanding of travel and tourism education within the larger arenas of the industry and the academic world.

The members are classified into the following categories: Active members- educators who are actively engaged in teaching courses or doing research in travel and tourism in certificate of degreegranting institutions. Associate members- non-educators who are actively engaged in the travel and tourism industry s officers or employees of organizations whose principal function is the promotion and development of travel and tourism and who are interested in enhancing the quality of travel and tourism education.

 Corporate members- organizations or institutions which are directly involved in the education of travel and tourism students or which employ graduates such as programs. Student member- students currently enrolled in certificate or degree granting programs in travel and tourism education. Allied members- organizations, other than an educational enhancing travel and tourism education.