Travel Professionals to focus on consumer protection and airline issues at ITAA Annual Conference in Porto
Irish Travel Agents Association 2017 Annual Conference takes place next week
The 2017 Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) Annual Conference will take place next week, 12th – 15th October 2017, in Porto, Portugal. 150 travel professionals are expected to attend the conference, where they will stay in the Solverde Spa & Wellness Hotel.
The conference meetings, taking place on Friday 13th October, will include a session on ‘Air Matters’ with Michel De Blust, Secretary General of the European Travel Agents and Tour Operators Association (ECTAA), and Svend Leirvaag, Vice President Industry Affairs in Amadeus. There will be a discussion on ‘Regulatory Matters’ with Andrew McCarroll from AIB Merchant Services and Brian O’Mara of O’Leary’s Insurances Ltd. In the afternoon, Cathy Mannion, Commissioner for Aviation Regulation, will discuss ‘Travel Trade Consumer Protection Measures’ in a session moderated by Eoghan Corry, Editor of Travel Extra.
President of the ITAA, Cormac Meehan, commented, “This year’s conference is one of the most important that we have held for many years. In addition to the consequences on the travel sector from global political instability, international terrorism and catastrophic weather events, we will also discuss legislative and regulatory issues that impact the way we do business.”
He added, “As an important tourism partner, this conference also gives our members the opportunity to discover more about the stunning country of Portugal and to experience the beautiful and historic city of Porto.”
Antonio Padeira, Director of the Portuguese Tourist Board for UK and Ireland, commented, “It is an honour to host the 2017 ITAA Conference in Porto. This conference is a fantastic opportunity for us to meet with the Irish travel trade and strengthen our relationships with travel agents throughout Ireland, who play an important role in the promotion and distribution of Portugal’s travel products.”
The ITAA represents Ireland’s travel Industry, bringing together 100 travel agent members and 70 Portaffiliate partners. ITAA members cover over 140 outlets in different towns and cities throughout the Republic of Ireland. All travel agent members are licensed by the Commission for Aviation Regulation and are fully bonded providing full financial protection for their customers.
