U.S.-based International Council of Tourism Partners (
U.S.-based International Council of Tourism Partners (
In an effort to help travel agents affected by the flooding, the International Council of Tourism Partners has recently launched Operation: Help Europe, said ICTP Chairman Thomas Steinmetz, who affirmed that Operation: Help Europe was born after he contacted Deutscher Reisebuero Verband, an association of travel agents similar to ASTA. It is the idea of helping our travel agent counterparts in Europe that has triggered me to contact DRV, said Steinmetz, who hails from Germany himself.
Steinmetz also mentioned that Operation: Help Europe will take on a different route than usual. Instead of asking the public to only send monetary donations, Steinmetz stated that The idea is to get computer companies to donate computers and to have hotels, tour operators, airlines as well as car rentals to give extra (higher commission, incentives) to agents in the affected regions to help them to get back on their feet, stated Steinmetz.
ICTP is spearheading the drive to help travel agents who are in dire need of assistance. Over the last six months, ICTP has participated in activities designed to help travel agents. Among such activities, the ICTP has played an instrumental role in mobilizing AntiTrust Travel Agency Compensation (ATTAC), a group of travel agents formed out of defiance for the major U.S. airlines’ the zero commission policy.
Steinmetz noted that Operation: Help Europe will have its own section on the ICTP Web site wherein ICTP will coordinate with DRV to identify affected agents. This section will also list all donations and a business link will be provided, if applicable.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
