History

Today, IATM has come to be recognised as a forum for professional Tour Managers, promoting their services and representing their views at national, European Union (EU) and international levels. Now truly an "International Association", IATM's members are to be found in EU member states, Switzerland, Norway, North America, Australasia, Israel and Taiwan.

Events contributing to this development include the adoption of a Constitution under the British Company Acts 1947-68, and incorporation as a Company Limited by Guarantee in 1976.

To cope with the worldwide growth of the organisation, the increased political interest and the greater need for accountability and professionalism in tourism, amendments to the Constitution were introduced in 1983. The result: IATM was divided into geographical Regions, with each Regional Chairman being appointed to the Board of Directors.

At the 1984 International AGM in Brussels, it was decided to create a European Community Liaison Committee (ECLC) to actively represent the views of Tour Managers within the then European Community (EC). Since then, recognition of IATM has been demonstrated through invitations to sit on various EC committees, including that of the European Year of Tourism in 1990. Specifically, IATM has been working toward recognition of the profession of Tour Manager: Setting up of a scheme for the Initial and Continuing Higher Education of categories involved in the "Accompanying and Hostessing" sector of the Industry. Efforts bore fruit in 1992, when the EU approved a syllabus for the training of professional Tour Managers. This course is already in operation in Breda, the Netherlands, and will provide the basis for courses in other EU countries.

Recognising the value of advance information of proposed EU legislation, and thus being able to influence its outcome, in 1994 IATM became a full member of ETAG (European Tourism Action Group).

Since 1999, through cooperation with the Netherlands Institute of Tourism and Transport (NHTV) in Breda, IATM is able to offer a recognised Tour Management qualification for its members. The Certificate of Tour Management (CTM) is gained through examination and is the only qualification of its kind which recognises existing professional experience.

In 2004 IATM joined the European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) allowing IATM to maintain close co-operation with the major hirers of Tour Managers and to discuss issues of common interest.

Important issues currently being discussed include: the employment status of Tour Managers; recognition of the added-value of Tour Managers; relations with Tourist Guides; free movement within the E.U.; and the changing face of Group Package Travel.