The Flemish Association of Travel Agencies (VVR) Hield hosted its annual General Assembly on Wednesday, June 10th at Hof Ter Groeningen in Ninove. During the meeting, there was a review of the past operational year, a look ahead at the main challenges for the travel sector, and elections were held for the Board of Directors.
Our colleague Evelien has been a member of the VVR Board since 2024. Together with the other board members, she is committed to the further development of the travel sector, with particular attention to five strategic pillars:
- Own operations, internal structure, member activities, and involvement
- Professionalize, inform, advise, and communicate
- Inspire, stimulate, and innovate
- Image and advocacy with policymakers
- Sustainability
During the General Assembly, the main achievements of the past year were also highlighted. These included, among others, the further integration of VVRO within VVR, and the collaboration with other industry associations via the Belgian Travel Confederation (BTC), membership of the European umbrella organization ECTAA, and advocacy at federal and European level will be discussed.
In addition, VVR discussed the current issues that are currently occupying the sector. The association remains committed to the reform of the European Package Travel Directive, the VAT file, the approach to unlawful sales practices and the issues surrounding the buffering of credit card payments. Themes such as minimum services within crucial infrastructure, a workable framework for flexi-jobs, sustainability and the introduction of electronic invoicing also remain high on the agenda.
Evelien will continue to be actively involved in the VVR Governing Board next year with great commitment. She will actively contribute to strong representation and further development of the travel industry.
