Although there are sometimes different realities depending on the geographical location of the members and despite the existence of different regulatory frameworks, in the globalized world in which we live it is increasingly common that suppliers firstly implement some policies in certain countries to later adopt them in other markets. Likewise, in terms of regulations, regulators in other countries sometimes take as reference certain rules introduced in Europe and/or the United States.

In what way will your experience at CEAV, especially in the field of international relations, influence your way of leading WTAAA and in creating strategic consensus among associations with such diverse needs and expectations?

First of all, one of my main contributions is my extensive experience in both the tourism sector and the associative sphere for more than 20 years, having cooperated and participated very actively through CEAV in defining lobbying strategies to defend the interests of the travel advisors sector.

In addition, I have worked closely with airlines—having chaired the Spanish APJC of IATA for four years, after being nominated by CEAV; with GDSs, technological partners, payment service providers, regulatory bodies and other operators in the tourism sector, always in defence of the interests of travel agencies.

All of this, together with my great passion for tourism and associative work, my knowledge of the industry through my role as CEO of Europa Travel, my vocation for finding consensus and shared interests through dialogue, and my capacity for leadership and empowerment, will influence my way of leading WTAAA and creating strategic consensus.

In a global context marked by constant change, what do you believe will be the main challenges for travel advisors in the coming years, and how can WTAAA help anticipate, manage and turn them into real growth opportunities?

First, travel agencies face technological challenges in adapting to the multiple distribution channels of different suppliers (booking tools, NDC, etc.), which often require significant financial investment, as well as considerable time invested in staff training with the aim that they learn the proper functioning of each of these channels. From WTAAA, we will continue conducting webcasts which, to the date, have helped to implement complex industry developments—such as NDC—by providing travel advisors with information that is easier to understand and it is useful for the decisions-making process.

In addition, there is significant fragmentation in supplier offerings, with the same operators (for example, airlines) distributing their fares through different channels, which complicates and slows down the work of travel advisors when searching for all the available options and when carrying out the appropriate price comparison to the effect that their clients can choose the option they prefer amongst the available options.

It is also worth noting that travel advisors sometimes suffer the consequences of the airlines' disproportionate use of ADMs. For example, WTAAA has recently been fighting against the practice implemented by some airlines of considering as a no-show and imposing an ADM as a penalty in cases where travel advisors, despite having notified the cancellation of a ticket before the flight’s departure, have not yet processed the refund request. We consider it totally unfair and excessively burdensome for our sector. WTAAA will continue working to defend travel agencies whenever we detect practices that may be considered unfair or disproportionate.

Likewise, it should be highlighted that in their day-to-day work, travel advisors face the challenge of achieving greater recognition from suppliers for the added value they bring to the travel services distribution chain. A global interlocutor with broad and respected representation across the various geographic regions—such as WTAAA, which has a long history and industry-wide respect—can undoubtedly help to achieve this.

Lastly, among other challenges, travel advisors must adapt technologically to the different payment channels and legal requirements to achieve the highest possible security in transactions and to prevent cyberattacks. WTAAA will continue working with all strategic partners in this regard.

Our strategic focus areas for 2026 will be: fraud prevention, sustainability, and crisis response. Each of these areas benefits enormously from our ability to compare experiences across different markets, identify best practices, and develop solutions that work in diverse regulatory and business environments.

Moreover, this approach is particularly effective because it allows us to provide a level of context that individual associations could not achieve on their own. When we identify a trend or a challenge in one market, we can immediately assess whether it is emerging elsewhere and develop proactive guidance. In this way, we can position ourselves not only as a reactive support organization, but as a forward-thinking knowledge hub that helps the entire sector anticipate and prepare for change.

For emerging markets specifically, we can offer access to proven solutions and frameworks that have been tested in other regions, while more established markets benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative approaches coming from developing regions.

Digitalization is continuously transforming the work of travel advisors. How do you think WTAAA can support a balanced digital process that drives innovation without harming the competitiveness of small and medium-sized agencies that still face significant technological gaps?

The digital transformation presents both opportunities and challenges, and it is essential that all travel advisors can participate effectively in this process, regardless of their size or current technological infrastructure.

WTAAA’s strength lies in generating comprehensive information and guidance through strategic alliances with technology leaders such as Amadeus. Our successful webcasts have helped to implement complex industry developments, such as NDC, by providing members with more accessible information that enables travel advisors to better understand and plan the processes needed to adapt to change.

It is important to recognize that small and medium-sized travel advisors often have advantages that technology should enhance rather than replace: among others, deep client relationships, specialized knowledge, and personalized service. Our digitalization initiatives help travel advisors leverage these strengths while also improving their efficiency and expanding their capabilities.

Through our member associations and continued partnerships  with technology providers, we are committed to producing research and educational content that gives travel advisors the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about digital adoption. Our goal is to ensure that technological change strengthens, rather than threatens, the unique and irreplaceable value that travel advisors provide to their clients.

This information-driven approach allows us to reach travel advisors around the world with insights they can adapt to their market conditions and specific business models.

What plans do you have to strengthen WTAAA’s international presence at key tourism events, and how do you expect this participation to contribute to greater visibility, institutional recognition and influence on global decisions?

Our approach to international presence is directly based on the success of past initiatives grounded in collaborative research and thought leadership, which we aim to expand in 2026.

Specifically, we plan to launch several interesting position papers and webcasts throughout 2026 that will focus on collaboration within the travel value chain and on how travel advisors can work more effectively with all industry partners. These initiatives will draw on the diverse experiences of our member associations to provide insights that are both globally relevant and local applicable.

This content-driven approach to international presence ensures that when we participate in key events, we bring valuable knowledge rather than simply attending. This positions WTAAA as an organization that contributes solutions and insights to industry discussions, which naturally leads to creater influence in global decisions.

Our committees also play a fundamental role in this international presence, ensuring that the perspectives of travel advisors are consistently represented in relations with airlines, negotiations with suppliers, and discussions on setting industry standards—always within the strictest compliance of applicable competition regulations. In particular, This systematic engagement across different sectors of the tourism industry expands our influence and ensures that WTAAA’s voice is heard in decisions that affect travel advisors.

The combination of high-quality research, strategic thought leadership and continuous industry engagement positions WTAAA as an essential participant in global tourism discussion, rather than just another association.

What will be the priority lines of work with CEAV in this new stage, and how do you expect the Spanish experience to contribute to WTAAA’s global agenda in innovation, regulation, cooperation and professional advocacy?

Since joining WTAAA in 2014, CEAV has participated actively, defending the specific interests of Spanish travel advisors and contributing to the global defence of the sector, placing high value on unity. Although legal frameworks and professional advocacy must be addressed primarily at the local and regional levels due to regulatory competences, we cannot forget that we live in a global world, and cooperation among travel advisors from different countries and continents is essential.

The global nature of the industry often means that legal regulations approved in certain regions—particularly North America and Europe—are later replicated in other geographical areas, as happens with supplier strategies. Therefore, I believe that sharing CEAV’s experience and approach on these matters can be of great benefit to travel advisors in other countries and continents.

The appointment of Eva Blasco as head of the WTAAA marks a pivotal moment for travel advisors worldwide. Her extensive career, both leading her own travel agency and serving in industry associations, brings vision, experience, and legitimacy. Under her leadership, the organization aims to strengthen the sector’s collective voice in negotiations with global providers, enhance recognition of the added value that travel advisors deliver, and to promote international cooperation in a fragmented landscape. The priorities she sets—digitalization, fair regulation, sustainability, and protection against abusive practices—place both the client and the agent at the centre of a new chapter. Her appointment opens the door to a more professional, committed, and collaborative tourism industry.