The French Association of Travel Managers (AFTM), the largest travel management organization in France, is celebrating the first anniversary of its relationship with the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), the leading non-profit business travel organization serving 102 countries worldwide.  Last year, the two organizations established a one-year, renewable strategic alliance, which each is eager to continue for 2012.

“For more than two decades, ACTE has united travel professionals around the world as a member-driven ‘global village,’ providing benchmark research, best practices and training to the travel industry’s leading buyers and sellers,” noted Ron DiLeo, Executive Director of ACTE, adding, “ACTE is recognized globally as an agent of positive change and a driver of education across all segments of business travel.”

AFTM is a France-based, non-profit organization created by a group of leading French corporate travel agents to enhance the professional status and promote the role of Travel Managers.  The organization strives to help acclimate newcomers and obtain professional recognition for the corporate travel industry.  AFTM also seeks to train those who will be responsible for coordinating corporate travel for major French, European and international companies.

According to Mr. DiLeo, under the terms of the alliance, ACTE contributes its global knowledge and resources.  In turn, AFTM provides insight into local markets and helps design relevant, market-specific programs.

The President of The French Association of Travel Managers, Michel Dieleman, said, “We are enthusiastic and excited about our ongoing partnership with ACTE.  We believe this agreement will continue to allow AFTM to expand our reach to an international market, while simultaneously affording ACTE greater local resources in Europe, and particularly, in France.  Our industry is constantly evolving and we look forward to continuing to enjoy the benefits of this strategic alliance.”