Via Partnership with the Association of Corporate Travel Executives;
Organizations will use their combined resources to better serve international markets
(PARIS – March 15, 2011) The French Association of Travel Managers (AFTM), the largest travel management organization in France, has renewed its relationship with the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), the leading non-profit business travel organization serving 102 countries worldwide. The two organizations have established a one-year, renewable strategic alliance, it was announced today.
“For more than two decades, ACTE has united travel professionals around the world as a member-driven ‘global village,’ providing benchmark research, best practices and training to the travel industry’s leading buyers and sellers,” noted Ron DiLeo, Executive Director of ACTE, adding, “ACTE is recognized globally as an agent of positive change and a driver of education across all segments of business travel.”
AFTM is a France-based, non-profit organization created by a group of leading French corporate travel agents to enhance the professional status and promote the role of Travel Managers. The organization strives to help acclimate newcomers and obtain professional recognition for the corporate travel industry. AFTM also seeks to train those who will be responsible for coordinating corporate travel for major French, European and international companies.
According to Mr. DiLeo, under the terms of the new alliance, ACTE will contribute its global knowledge and resources. In turn, AFTM will provide insight into local markets and help design relevant, market-specific programs.
The President of The French Association of Travel Managers, Michel Dieleman, said, “We are enthusiastic and excited about our new partnership with ACTE. We believe this agreement will allow AFTM to expand our reach to an international market, while simultaneously affording ACTE greater local resources in Europe, and particularly, in France. Our industry is constantly evolving and we look forward to enjoying the benefits of this new strategic alliance.”
Extending and reinforcing the benefits of the new alliance, this Fall, the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) will host a Global Conference in Paris, from October 2 – 4, 2011. Included in the conference will be a French track of education sessions, open to anyone who wishes to participate, but designed specifically for AFTM members. ACTE and AFTM will also continue collaborating on other French-specific forums throughout the year.
