Concise history

The Vereniging Vlaamse Reisbureaus/Association Flemish Travel Bureau's was founded in 1975 by Antoon van Eeckhout. Originally, the professional association was directed towards the travel agencies with three specific aspects: Flemish, the retailer aspect and a tendency towards small and middle-sized companies. The two latter aspects were, in the course of the years, somewhat weakened. Presently our members are not only small and middle-sized retailers but also situated amongst the biggest travel bureau's and tour operators. The first aspect (Flemish) has been retained. The VVR represents 80 % of the Flemish travel bureau's and has become the most important professional association for the travel trade in the country. The VVR is member of the Universal Federation of Travel Agents Associations (UFTAA) and represents the Belgian travel trade on international forum.

Package of services

Our association is recognised by three Departments: Cultural Affairs, Transport and Trade. For specific subjects the VVR acts as a consultant for these departments, but also for the Ministries of Finance, Foreign Affairs, Economic Affairs and Education. We are also represented in the Technical Committee for the Travel Agencies, the Supreme Council for Trade, The Council for Tourism, The IATA-Agency Programme Joint Council, etc. The VVR defends the trade and especially the concerns of their members in matters as: legislation, licences, deontology, illegal sales, arbitration between travel agents and clients and/or colleagues and/or suppliers; the VVR is preparing the establishment of a Guarantee Fund; the VVR disposes of a data base/ documentation centre including an automation consulting department; the VVR organises a variety of training courses; the VVR stimulate co-operation between travel agents; the VVR promote the "image" of the travel agents' industry; the VVR organise congresses. However, our most important activity is the very individual assistance to solve ALL our members' problems. Our most appreciated publications such as: a confidential newsletter (VVGRAM); the popular travel magazine: "Hoogvlieger": Advertisements: 1 page/6 insertions (1 year) 40.000,- BEF (VVR-member), 55.000,- BEF (non-VVR-member) - 1 page/1 insertion 7.000,- BEF (VVR-member), 9.000,- BEF (non-VVR-member).