New industry group FITA is very welcome but could they do more for the independent agent ?

Brilliant article by Chloe Berman on Travel Weekly today about FITA. Its brilliant to see my consortium (Global) along with TTA World choice leading the way on this. There is so much to be done. I have only been in the industry for 8 years, so a relative newby by all standards, however from my 22 years of business experience, I would say that there is a desperate need for a forward thinking organisation that will stand up for the independent travel agent. ABTA have certainly lost there way, being dominated by the large tour operators, they are a tour operators organisation. Some would say AITO look after the independent agents, well they don't if you are a Global or non ABTA agent, they look down on us like some second class citizens. From what I can see they are like some old fashioned gentlemans club that is not forward looking. I do hope FITA will take on agents views and will actively involve hard working agents from the consortia. Grass roots involvement is important if this new organisation is to succeed. Personally I would like to see the new organisation take on a raft of issues, including but not limited to: Direct discounting on tour operators web sites Hoteliers turning small travel agents into mini tour operators - you are either an agent or an tour operator Hoteliers undercutting everyone. This organisation should be used to lobby government , but also lobby the trade that we do not have to cut each others throats but should be working in harmony to our mutual benefit. ! Good luck FITA