The United Federation of Travel Agents’ Associations (UFTAA) emanates from the Universal Federation of Travel Agents’ Associations created in Rome, Italy, on November 22nd, 1966. UFTAA was originally founded as a result of a merger of two large world organisations, FIAV and UOTAA, recognising the need to unify travel agencies and tour-operators into one international federation.
In 1989, coming from Brussels, UFTAA set up its General Secretariat in the Principality of Monaco.

UFTAA started its operation as a Confederation on January 1st, 2003. It is a non-profit Confederation of international scope, representing Regional Federations comprising some 80 national associations.

UFTAA is a world body representing the travel agency and tourism industry. UFTAA effectively represents Travel Agents and Tour Operators views on both Inbound and Outbound travel by continuous dialogue and consultation with other international organisations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Hotel and Restaurant Association (IH&RA) the International Union of Railways (IUR), the International Road Union (IRU), and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to mention only a few. UFTAA has consultative status with the UN/NGO/ECOSOC, and works closely with other world bodies such as UNESCO, WHO etc for a sustainable and responsible tourism. UFTAA is an affiliate member of the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) and its Business Council (WTOBC).).

Mission Statement
UFTAA’s mission is to be an international forum where matters affecting the world travel industry are addressed, representing and defending the interests of incoming and outgoing tour operators, travel and tourism agencies before the governmental bodies, suppliers and other entities of international scope. It also aims at strengthening its members’ image and enhance the world travel and tourism industry and a sustainable tourism.

- To comply with its mission, the Confederation develops the following functions :

- To unite and consolidate the Federations of Travel Agents’ National Associations and to globally enhance the interests of their members ;

- To represent the travel agents’ activities before various world-wide bodies, governmental authorities and suppliers ;

- To work towards the adoption of measures that will ease travel for the consumer and to offer services to its member federations ;

- To be an investigation and information centre supporting the member Federations’ work and to offer information for technological development ;

- To offer, as a voluntary mechanism, an arbitration service which assists in solving conflicts resulting from commercial relations for which amicable settlement cannot be reached ;

- To organise a world congress of travel agents and other meetings necessary to the exchange and transmission of knowledge.