WASHINGTON -- The Travel Industry Association of America's Board of
Directors approved a working agreement that enables the association
to work more closely with the World Tourism Organization on
research, marketing, communication and strategic planning.
William S. Norman, TIA's president and chief executive, noted
that WTO has been an affiliate member of the TIA for years.
However, Norman said, the agreement will "take our relationship
to the next level".
"This document is in line with our commitment to public-private
sector partnership in order to restore tourist confidence and to
keep the tourism system operational," said WTO Secretary-General
Francesco Frangialli.
The WTO is expected to give the agreement final approval during
its October General Assembly meeting in Beijing, China.