Meeting discusses future of the tourism industry globally

A press conference was held this Tuesday (26) afternoon at the Tivoli Mofarrej Hotel for the World Travel Agents Association Alliance (WTAAA), which promoted its first meeting in Latin America from March 24 to 26. The Brazilian Travel Agencies Association (ABAV) hosted the event, during which the Alliance discussed several aspects of the national tourism business in an attempt to maximize the industry’s market share worldwide.

The presidents of all entities that make up the WTAAA participated in the meeting. Together, these entities represent 80% of all airline tickets sold in the world. The participants were the following: John Pittman (ASTA - USA), David MCcaig (ACTA – Canada), Otto de Vries (ASATA – South Africa), Lars Thykier (DRF – Denmark), Michel de Blust (ECIAA – European Union), Peter Barlow (TAANZ – New Zealand), Jayson Westbury (AFTA – Australia), Praveen Chugh (TAFI - India) and Antonio Azevedo (ABAV - Brazil). The International Relations Vice-President of ABAV, Leonel Rossi, also attended the press conference, as well as the Tourism and Entertainment director of SPTuris, Luciane Leite.

For the president of ABAV, Antonio Azevedo, hosting the first meeting of the WTAAA in Latin America shows how important Brazil is as one of the major destinations in the continent. “Maintaining good relations with the entities associated to the WTAAA strengthens the country’s role globally, and opens the eyes of the world to the attractions of the Brazilian destinations”.

Keeping Brazil as a receptive tourist destination even after the big sports events (2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games) was one of the topics discussed. “Our intention is to show the country that you cannot recover the whole investment of these events at once, by increasing the rates charged from visitors. It is important that the visitor pays a fair price and is stimulated to came back to the destination, so that the return is sustainable with time,” said Lars Thykier, president of the WTAAA, referring to the mistakes made in other editions of the sports events.

Asked about the NDC (New Distribution Capacity) project, mentioned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Thykier said the WTAAA seeks market relations that are equanimous. He also said the WTAAA is aware that it is necessary to protect passenger individual data, and that it is paying attention to the way such data will handled. “WTAAA is participating in the meetings and having a direct dialogue with the IATA, studying alternatives to prevent negative impacts on the market,” he said.

Regarding maritime cruises, the WTAAA noted the fact that the segment has been recording steady growth rates, even though it is one of the most sensitive to changes in taxes and rates in each country. “It is a fantastic market, but it still needs attention to safety and customer satisfaction,” Thykier said.

The difficulty to obtain visas to enter Brazil was also discussed in the event, and the discussion was based on the statement of the participants themselves. Azevedo, as well as all members of WTAAA management, believes this is the major obstacle to the growth in receptive tourist flow in the country. Some participants reported they had difficulties to get the visa, with exorbitant fees, deficient service, and too much wait. “It is absurd right now, but there is a project in Congress to create an electronic visa that will certainly expedite this process. But it is still necessary to advance more, and facilitate the entrance of tourists in Brazil. Having the visa released at the airport of arrival could be a solution,” said the president of ABAV.

ABAV signs agreement with Braztoa

During the event this Tuesday, a partnership between ABAV and Braztoa was signed for the 41st ABAV – Tourism Fair of the Americas and the 40th edition of the Braztoa Commercial Meeting. “Two important exhibitions will join forces in the tourism sector, increasing client reach and the advertising of Brazilian destinations. It will be a challenge and a great honor,” said Marco Ferraz, president of the Braztoa. Of the 50,000 square meters of the exhibition, 1,200 meters will be dedicated to Braztoa’s associates. According to the president of ABAV, the event will be a huge success and once again be the best and largest event in the tourism industry in the Americas. There is a waiting list for the acquisition of stands. The event will be held from September 4 to 8, 2013, at the Anhembi Conventions Center, and will be open to the public in general during the weekend.

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Check out the opening speech of President Antonio Azevedo at the press conference held at the Tivoli Jardins in Sao Paulo.