ITTFA ELECTS NEW COMMITTEE FOR 2007/2008

The International Tourism Trade Fairs Association (ITTFA), elected a new executive committee at its annual general meeting in Stockholm at the end of June. Tom Nutley, Chairman of ITTFA, believes “this newly-formed committee will generate a greater depth of understanding amongst the member shows and provide fresh perspective and enthusiasm to the association.”

“All appointments were aimed at strengthening the central administration of ITTFA and providing a firm base for the continued growth of the association across cultural and international boundaries”, he continued.

Committee members begin their term of office this July and will remain in their respective roles until the next election at the AGM in June 2008.

ITTFA, which originally evolved from the long-standing ETTFA, moved from European to International status in 2005 so as to grow the association on a worldwide basis and offer benefits and opportunities to all travel trade shows regardless of their location. ETTFA was established in 1992 and has been dedicated to raising its profile as an information source for the travel and exhibition industries since that time.

Chairman of ITTFA, Tom Nutley, said that the association had come a long way in the past decade, recognising the huge changes in the travel exhibition industry brought about by the growth in emerging markets, technology and the recognition of the value of the industry in general. He added that since becoming an international organization, they have welcomed on board new members from both East and West and have benefited from the insight these shows have brought with them.

Johan F Lundberg, Exhibition Manger TUR, was elected as president of ITTFA. Nutley commented on the appointments, “TUR has been a long standing member of ITTFA and we are confident that Johan’s knowledge of the association coupled with his experience and enthusiasm within both the travel and tourism and exhibition industries will steer the association through another successful year.”

Mr Lundberg commented on the role; “I am delighted to take on this prestigious role and look forward to a successful year ahead. We are continuing to broaden our membership base, particularly in the area of support and guidance for new and upcoming shows in less established markets and I personally look forward to welcoming members from all corners of the tourism exhibition world. The internationalisation of ITTFA is of value to all our members as we continue to explore new challenges and create more opportunities to share ITTFA’s vision and knowledge with a larger audience. As newly elected President, I look forward to working closely with all our members to achieve our goals. “

Klara Tihanyi, Director of Utazas, Hungary, was elected Vice President. She commented, “I am looking forward to my new role in ITTFA and hope that I can contribute to the development of the Association as well as learning from other members on how we can make travel trade fairs easier and better for all our customers.”

Fiona Jeffery, Managing Director, World Travel Market, continues as Media Relations Officer and will also take on the role of Treasurer whilst Zeljka Tomljenovic, of ITE Travel Exhibitions, continues as WTO Relations Officer as well as in the role of Membership Secretary.

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For further information please contact:
Wendy Walker / Sara Armitage Evans
International Tourism Trade Fairs Association (ITTFA)
Tel. +44 208 939 9000
Email. [email protected]