Whether you're building a travel brand from the ground up or growing an established presence, connections matter. Being part of the right associations can open doors to new markets, strengthen your credibility, and give you access to industry insights, partners and promotional opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere.
You’ll find there are hundreds of travel and tourism associations globally, each with its own niche or specialisation. Some of those are regional or location-based, offering support, visibility and networking across specific areas.
These can be particularly useful for brands operating within those regions to connect with other service providers. It can also be helpful for brands that work in those regions but might be based elsewhere (e.g. travel agents or wholesalers selling trips to those destinations) as they will help you keep up to date on local trends, insights and other information relating to that destination.
Here are five of the most influential location-based travel associations, and why your brand should consider getting involved.
1. African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA)
ATTA is a trade association that supports tourism to Africa and the Indian Ocean islands from around the world. With more than 600 members, including tour operators, DMCs, tourism boards, media and airlines, ATTA plays a vital role in representing the African continent as a world-class travel destination.
ATTA also operates a sister brand, Experience Africa, which runs B2B travel shows specifically focused on the continent.
Why join ATTA?
If your brand is involved in inbound African travel, ATTA provides you with direct access to a targeted and engaged travel trade network. ATTA members include buyers (outbound tour operators, travel agents and retailers), suppliers (hotels, lodges, attractions, airlines, representation, marketers, inbound tour operators and DMCs), African tourism organisations, charities and partners.
Members benefit from:
- Representation at key global travel trade events like WTM and ITB
- Networking opportunities with other Africa-focused businesses
- Access to media and PR exposure through ATTA channels
- Member briefings and updates on tourism trends affecting Africa
ATTA also focuses on sustainable travel, offering members access to training, advice, tools and resources to align your travel business with sustainable travel goals.
2. Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
PATA has been working in tourism across the Asia Pacific for more than 70 years. It covers the Asia Pacific region, including Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of the Americas. Members range from national tourism boards and airlines to hotels, tour operators and academic institutions.
PATA has a big focus on growing tourism in the region in a sustainable way. It promotes sustainable travel and regional cooperation through research, events, training and advocacy.
Why join PATA?
For travel brands operating in or targeting the Asia Pacific region, PATA membership offers invaluable market intelligence, networking connections with key industry players, increased brand visibility within the region, and support in adopting sustainable tourism practices relevant to the Asia Pacific context.
Brands that join can:
- Participate in PATA’s travel trade events and forums, including PTM, one of Asia Pacific’s longest-standing travel trade exhibitions
- Gain access to research reports and data-driven insights
- Promote their services through B2B marketing channels
- Take part in training programmes and sustainability initiatives
3. European Tour Operators Association (ETOA)
ETOA is the trade association for tour operators and suppliers in European destinations. ETOA represents more than 1,100 organisations involved in selling and servicing European travel, from international tour operators to local suppliers like hotels, attractions, and DMOs. Members range from global brands to small, independent businesses.
EOTA aims to create a sustainable business environment where European tourism can grow. The association runs a comprehensive programme of online and in-person events, including workshops, forums and B2B networking sessions.
ETOA also lobbies on behalf of its members, participating in public-private projects at EU, national and local levels to shape tourism policy.
Why join EOTA?
For any brand involved in European tourism, ETOA offers a clear business advantage. Membership provides:
- Access to curated trade events that connect suppliers and buyers
- Advocacy on regulatory issues at the EU level
- Timely briefings on legal and market developments
- Marketing and visibility through ETOA’s digital channels
4. Latin American Travel Association (LATA)
LATA is a membership-based organisation dedicated to promoting Latin America as a leading tourist destination. The association has over 400 members, including tourism boards, airlines, hotels, tour operators, travel media, and representation companies.
LATA has a focus on travel professionals who are committed to responsible tourism, cultural celebration, and economic development across Latin America. The association champions values of expertise, integrity, collaboration and positive impact. It encourages members to promote travel that benefits local communities and protects the environment.
Why join LATA?
If your brand offers travel experiences in Latin America, LATA offers a platform to access new business opportunities and stay ahead of industry trends. Members benefit from:
- B2B networking and trade events, including the flagship LATA Expo
- Regular industry insights, guidance, and trend reports
Promotional support through the LATA website and communications - Access to a far-reaching safety monitoring scheme covering hotels, transport and boats
- PR support and a direct channel to UK media for Latin American travel stories
- Advocacy with UK government and FCO on issues impacting the region
Honourable mentions
SKAL International
SKAL International is a worldwide network of tourism professionals, including travel agents, hoteliers, tourism boards, transport companies and media, all focused on promoting connections and collaboration through business. With more than 12,000 members across 300 clubs, SKAL is one of the most accessible and socially oriented travel associations.
Why join SKAL?
SKAL combines professional development with peer support and global camaraderie. For travel brands looking to build trusted relationships across borders, SKAL offers:
- Local and international networking events
- Opportunities to meet potential collaborators and partners
- A supportive environment for knowledge sharing and mentorship
- Participation in several well-recognised trade shows and congresses
It’s particularly useful for owner-led travel businesses, consultants and agencies looking for a community of like-minded professionals.
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
WTTC is an influential body representing the global private sector in travel and tourism. Its members include CEOs and leaders from airlines, hotel groups, OTAs, cruise lines, and destination marketing organisations. While not open to all travel businesses, WTTC shapes global policy and leads high-level initiatives that affect the entire industry.
Why engage with WTTC?
While full membership is usually limited to large companies, brands of all sizes can still benefit from WTTC’s public-facing work. WTTC:
- Publishes economic reports on the travel and tourism sector
- Leads global advocacy for sustainable tourism and travel recovery
- Influences public policy through partnerships with governments and NGOs
WTTC recently launched Together in Travel, an initiative aimed at SMEs within travel, offering tools and resources to upskill and keep pace with the industry. Together in Travel is a free service.
Want help choosing the right associations and making the most of them? At Boost Brands, we work with ambitious travel brands to build visibility, strengthen positioning, and connect with the right audiences. Whether you're just starting out or scaling into new markets, we can help you align your marketing, brand and digital presence with the networks that matter most. Get in touch today.
