There is no doubt that exhibitions are an extremely powerful sales and marketing tool for the travel industry, whether they are exhibitions aimed at the international travel trade itself or those targeted at members of the travel-buying public.

The International Tourism Trade Fairs Association, ITTFA, was originally set up in 1992 with a European focus, (as ETTFA) and now with a global perspective has members from all around the world. Along with its Secretariat in London it meets three times a year, its primary goals being to seek new ways to encourage increased participation in travel shows, to improve standards and encourage future development of the industry.

The association's other goals include:
• To represent the industry at national and international forums.
• Introduce common standards at each of the members' fairs.
• Guarantee minimum levels of services and constantly improve those levels for participants.
• To act as a common voice on issues affecting participants.
• Establish a database of key players within the industry and keep them regularly informed of developments.
• provide help and encouragement to travel organisations new to exhibitions

In this dynamic and ever challenging environment, travel trade fairs provide the backbone to the industry and a place in which we can all meet and exchange knowledge and aspirations that will help our indust ry grow stronger and become even more valuable. We at ITTFA strive to make the industry the best that it can be and we would very much like for you to join us.

Whether you are a new travel show starting out or are a veteran looking to further improve the benefits for your organisation, we would like to hear from you and look forward very much to welcoming you one day soon into our World.