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Username: Dr. D.J. de Villiers
Date/Time: Fri, November 3, 2000 at 11:33 AM GMT
Browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer V4.01 using Windows 95
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Subject: Support from WTO to IATA Application

Message: 		 

 
WTO (World Tourism Organization) transmit their support  for the IATA proposal to the ICANN website.


The World Tourism Organization (WTO) is the only intergovernmental organization that serves as a global
forum for tourism policy and issues. Its members include 138 countries and territories, as well as more than 350
affiliate members from the public and private sectors. WTO's mission is to promote and develop tourism as a
significant means of fostering international peace and understanding, economic development, and international
trade.

Travel has already established itself as the largest component of
e-commerce but many consumers reluctant to purchase travel over the web
because of uncertainty about the reputation and reliability of “.com”
website operators who may be geographically remote, and whose
qualifications and capabilities have not been verified by any
independent party.

By screening “.travel” website operators to assure compliance with
transparent and objective criteria relevant to the conduct of
e-commerce, IATA’s innovative proposal will add value for both consumers
and business.  It will also give consumers the confidence necessary if
e-business is to compete on an equal footing with traditional
brick-and-mortar alternatives.

IATA has served as a neutral, trusted intermediary for decades, enabling
the travel industry to efficiently meet the needs of its customers.
IATA’s acknowledged strengths include standard-setting, the
accreditation of travel businesses and assignment of codes for airlines,
airports, etc.  Thus, it is ideally positioned to perform the screening
and verification functions which lie at the heart of the proposal and
which are notably absent from today’s “.com” environment.

We strongly encourage ICANN to grant the IATA application.  This will not
only enable the merits of this innovative concept to be proven, but may
also have direct application to other sectors of the new economy in the
future.

Dr. D.J. de Villiers
Deputy Secretary-General
WTO


 

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