The Global Travel and Tourism Partnership (GTTP) announced the appointment of Ian Wheeler, Vice President of Marketing, Amadeus, as Chair of the organisation’s Global Advisory Board for a three-year period. GTTP is a not-for-profit organisation working internationally to educate young people about the travel and tourism industry and the career options within it.

In his role as Chair, Ian takes overall responsibility for the Partnership’s strategy, providing guidance, support and co-ordination to the Global Advisory Board and the local boards of directors, who in turn shape the activities in the member countries. The GTTP’s Global Advisory Board meets biannually with the Executive Director to review operations, discuss the GTTP’s strategic direction and allocate funds.

The GTTP is an industry-supported programme led by global organisations including Amadeus, American Express, Hertz, HRG (Hogg Robinson Group), KLM, Lufthansa, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide and the World Travel & Tourism Council.

Approximately 495,000 students around the world currently study in GTTP member schools, and some 3,200 local businesses provide their expertise and in-kind support for the programme.

At Amadeus, Ian is responsible for consolidating the company’s position as the leading provider of technology solutions to the travel and tourism industry. Ian has held this role since September 2004.

More information on GTTP can be found at www.gttp.org.