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International Federation of Tour Operators (IFTO)

HISTORY

In 19xx, IFTO was founded by xx European tour operators associations in London (UK).

The President of IFTO was Martin BRACKENBURY (UK).

In November 2010, recognising the benefits of a single, strengthened, exclusive representative organisation at EU level, the IFTO handed over its core activities and mission to ECTAA (European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association).

VISION

IFTO worked to ensure the continued long term success of the organised holiday by influencing legislators and civil servants in the EU, originating and destination countries, as well as other opinion formers on the benefits to consumers and other public and private stakeholders of organised holidays.

MISSION

IFTO's mission was


 * To work by sharing knowledge and action for the common benefit of members.
 * To promote consumer interests in all parts of the decision making process regarding tourism.
 * To communicate to all parties the significant changes taking place in the travel sector, to demonstrate how these will impact on all involved. Provide advice, guidance and assistance to public and private sector businesses in destinations.
 * To focus on areas of particular concern and interest to the industry, government (originating, EU and destinations) and consumers, and to develop effective strategies in the fields of:
 * consumerism, and the consumer agenda, including tour operator responsibility issues;
 * sustainable development;
 * health, safety and security;
 * infrastructure, transportation and accommodation;
 * taxation and labour conditions.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership of IFTO was accessible to to any national or regional tour operators association and by more than one tour operator who can demonstrate that jointly they represent more than 50% of its country’s foreign inclusive holiday market or by one tour operator from a particular country at the discretion of the other members.

ROLE OF IFTO

Historically, the common factor of IFTO membership has been the core destinations to which IFTO members operate. This has resulted in the membership of IFTO being based in Europe. The increasing globalisation of the outbound travel market now means that tour operators take customers to almost every country in the world. Furthermore, issues arise which have required IFTO intervention from almost all destination markets worldwide. It is therefore no longer relevant to limit membership geographically.

The primary role of IFTO is to represent the interests of members to government bodies and to the providers of goods, services and facilities in destinations, in relation to development and operational issues affecting those destinations.

The work of IFTO will further extend to provide a means of exchanging views, issues and concerns in relation to matters regarding sustainability and health and safety.

IFTO will in addition act as a point of communication of members’ policies and approaches during crises and other major international events.

The role of IFTO is limited to representing the interests of tour operators, and not to incorporate the interests of other related businesses, such as travel agencies or airlines, other than to the extent that these are ancillary to core tour operating activities.