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Βy Andreas N. Fiorentinos

Secretary General

G.N.T.O.

I am pleased to extend a Demand trends are constantly changing; travelers
heartfelt welcome to the are increasing and looking for destinations with partic-
ular specifications. Especially after the pandemic, the
representatives of the World travel agencies industry faces continuous challenges
with success.
Travel Agents Association Alliance Currently, there are methodologies, tools, and

data available that enhance the preparation and plan-
(WTAAA) and the EUROPEAN TRAVEL AGENT’S
& TOUR OPERATOR’S ASSOCIATION (ECTAA ning processes for offering high-quality travel and re-
lated services.
AISBL) at the inaugural World Conference of Travel
Agency Associations, which is being held in Athens, ar- A vital ally in this endeavor is technology and its
ranged by the Association of Travel & Tourism Offices associated tools and apps, the continuous analysis of
of Greece. competitive dynamics and demand patterns, various
specialized joint think tanks such as the 1st World Con-
It is a significant privilege for both Athens and gress of the Association of Travel Agencies, and presti-
Greece to serve as the venue for this pivotal confer-
ence focused on advancements in the tourism sector. gious organizations like WTAAA and ECTAA that play
I would like to encourage all participants to take ad- a significant role in the regulatory framework planning.
vantage of the intervals before, during and after the Last but not least, the driving force for all tourism ac-
conference to re-discover the city of Athens, explore tivities is the never-ending human desire to explore the
world and the capacity of travel agencies to compose
various attractions across Greece, and experience the
renowned Greek hospitality. unique experiences.
Therefore, the contribution of tourism agencies
Historically, the tourism industry, along with lei-
sure travel and hospitality services, has demonstrated present at the 1st World Congress of Associations of
a remarkable ability to restructure and recover swift- Tourism Agencies is crucial for the advancement and
success of global tourism.
ly following global crises, whether they be economic,
geopolitical, health-related, or otherwise. I sincerely hope that the outcomes of the 1st World
Conference of Travel Agency Association will offer
However, the prompt recovery of tourism after a
challenging period is not at all coincidental. It is a result solutions and support to numerous travel agencies
of the industry’s expertise and agility, reflecting the ef- worldwide.
forts of all individuals and entities involved in the tour- I extend my best wishes for the success of the
ism business ecosystem. congress’s endeavors.

Today, more than ever, citizens of the world who
wish to travel in comfort seek the services and support
of tourist agencies, which are called upon to design, Andreas N. Fiorentinos
and offer personalized travel experiences, safely, im- Secretary General
mediately, at good prices but high quality. G.N.T.O.

i GR E E C E TR A V E L