It was on May 5th, 1949 that 8 professional travel agents from France, Italy, Belgium and Switzerland met in Geneva to create an international body  to improve and rationalise the organization of the international tourism.

Under the leadership of their first President, Mr Daniel V. DEDINA from Paris, they started to legalize the trademark WATA, World Association of Travel Agencies, on a global basis.

Reading the minutes of the founders-meeting we feel the optimism which filled hearts and soul of this group of energetic men who, after emerging the frustrating experience of the post war immobility, looked forward to a thrilling and prosperous future.
What was the clear goal they had in mind ? NETWORKING.     

Our forefathers worked from the assumption that each of them was doing in and outbound business and was therefore in need of trustworthy partners in foreign countries.  

The network worked, business exchanges prospered and WATA enjoyed an excellent and growing reputation.

WATA General Assembly, 1950 - Nice (France)