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We are

The only global not-for-profit membership organisation that represents the youth travel industry. Dedicated to promoting and developing opportunities for the youth, student and educational travel industry, our worldwide community of member organisations provides international travel experiences to more than 100 million youth a year. We provide specialist industry support to these organisations through our membership options.

Our mission

Our mission is to connect the global travel community through research, education, advocacy and networking activities that focus on youth travel, its benefits and opportunities.

Four Pillars

Our work is centred around Four Pillars.

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Trading

We provide commercial opportunities for buyers and sellers of international youth travel products and services through our portfolio of annual industry events. WYSE Travel Confederation members also benefit from year-round trading opportunities within our community.

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Research

We publish up-to-date market and industry intelligence, analysis and statistics to help the industry make informed decisions. Our research programme constitutes the backbone of our mission and its breadth is unrivalled in the sector. 

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Education

We believe in the importance of our members’ professional development, and that knowledge is power. Our seminars, workshops, webinars and podcasts provide a platform for learning, bilateral conversations and cross-sector collaboration.

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Advocacy

We advocate on behalf of our members and the industry as a whole, on issues such as visas, market development and tourism policy. Addressing these topics, we provide industry leadership through ‘one voice’ advocacy and representation.

Our members

Our global community is the world’s most extensive network of youth and student travel professionals. Members of WYSE Travel Confederation are the leaders in the unique types of travel products and services that young people utilise.

Adventure travel  Airlines · Activities & Attractions · Au Pair · Buyers · Consultants · Cultural Exchange · Digital Marketing · Digital Nomads · DMCs · Hostels & hotels · Insurance providers · Investors · Language Schools · National Associations · NTOs · OTAs · PMS Systems · Service Providers · Student Accommodation · Summer Camps · Technology · Tour operators · Transportation · Travel agents · Universities · Volunteer organisations · Wholesalers · Work experience

Our History

Our founding organisations – the Federation of International Youth Travel Organisations (FIYTO) and the International Student Travel Confederation (ISTC) – were formed just after World War II to inspire young people through international travel and to help remove cultural barriers. This mission remains just as vital and relevant today. More than ever before, young people must equip themselves with the international skills necessary for today’s global economy. Affordable access to work, study and travel opportunities is a vital part of their education and personal development.

The World Youth Student & Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation was formed in 2006 when FIYTO and ISTC merged to create a stronger, united body to represent the global youth travel industry. WYSE Travel Confederation is therefore built on decades of industry experience and is bound together by a trusted global community.

Founding sector
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