THE International Tourism Trade Fairs Association (ITTFA) recently elected a new executive committee for 2010.
Tom Nutley, chairman and founder of ITTFA, said: “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.
“This year we are delighted to welcome officers from Italy and the Netherlands, bringing with them fresh ideas and knowledge from their own markets as well as industry expertise.”
ITTFA is dedicated to the continual development of the travel trade show industry, increasing participation and setting high standards worldwide. Recent changes to entry requirements and the annual fee structure mean that membership is more accessible to smaller and developing shows, as well as more established ones.
This underlines the primary goals of the association as it strives to improve travel trade exhibition standards across all markets and help maximise the benefits and levels of professionalism for both visitors and exhibitors.
Antonio Dell’ Aquilano, exhibition and event manager of TTG Italia Spa, was elected as president.
He said “We hope to continue 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 take on new challenges and create more opportunities to share ITTFA’s vision and knowledge with a larger audience.”
Maria Badakh, event and sales director, ITE Group travel division, was elected vice president, Johan F Lundberg, exhibition manager of TUR, becomes treasurer, Zeljka Tomljenovic, events and sales manager ITE Travel Exhibitions, will continue to support the association via a new role of industry liaison and Bart Strijker of Vakantiebeurs, takes on the role of database officer.