What is the Interactive Travel Service Association (ITSA)?
The advent of the Internet and related innovative technology have given travel distribution providers the opportunity to offer their products widely, creatively and at low cost online. ITSA gives a strong collective voice to online travel merchants seeking to provide consumers with unprecedented options and comprehensive sources of travel information electronically.
What type of companies are members of ITSA?
ITSA represents online travel companies, Computer Reservation Systems, independent travel distributors, and companies that utilize technology to enhance their travel service offerings. Visit the following link to see a listing of members: http://www.interactivetravel.org/about/members.cfm.
If I am not a travel distributor, but rather an airline, public policy group, brick-and-mortar travel agent, or another trade group with similar interests, how can I work with ITSA in common cause?
ITSA is proud to have built up a coalition of like-minded individuals, companies and groups on matters that concern those beyond our own membership. Contact ITSA's executive director, Art Sackler, should you be interested in aligning with us concerning any of our policy goals: execdir@interactivetravel.org.
Why is ITSA concerned with competition issues in electronic travel distribution?
ITSA believes that consumers are disadvantaged when suppliers act in anticompetitive ways that restrict the free flow of information in the marketplace. Collusion lessens competition, increases travel costs, and reduces consumer choice. ITSA remains committed to removing all anticompetitive barriers that impede fair access to information.
How does ITSA support Homeland Security initiatives?
The safety and security of travelers is one of ITSA's primary concerns. ITSA works with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other units of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to improve dissemination of security measures to the various components of the travel industry, while appropriately respecting the privacy of our customers.
What is ITSA doing to help promote the interests of online travel distributors?
ITSA works to educate policymakers, media and consumers about the developing world of the online travel industry. Through regular meetings and exchanges, ITSA builds strong relationships with consumer groups, think tanks, Members of Congress and other government officials, particularly at the White House, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Justice.
How does ITSA protect the interests of travelers?
Consumers, both business and leisure travelers alike, want to know the most convenient and cost efficient way to get from one destination to the next.
ITSA works with the government to ensure that consumers can avoid confusion in purchasing travel online and to ensure that officials are more consistent with oversight of e-commerce and consumer protection issues.
ITSA also strongly supports the deregulation of the travel distribution industry. Deregulation of CRSs - Computer Reservation Systems - will ensure that competition amongst the airlines is robust and that consumers will gain increased access to affordable airfare information.
How does ITSA keep members informed about legislative and regulatory actions that affect the online travel industry?
ITSA provides members with the most current communications on strategy, events and trends in Washington through email issue alerts, website updates, weekly briefing calls and periodic conferences.
What issues will ITSA be addressing this year?
The listing of ITSA's primary 2005 issues is posted on this website.
How can my company become a member of ITSA?
If your company is interested in joining ITSA, please contact Art Sackler, Executive Director at execdir@interactivetravel.org
