Our Mission Statement
“To continuously improve the hospitality service provided by the transportation industry to the traveller.”

Organisation

Travel catering is a $15 billion per annum global industry, with a growth rate predicted over the next years of about 5% annually. It employs directly over 100,000 people throughout the world, with at least that number again working in it indirectly.

The International Travel Catering Association (ITCA) is a professional association serving the needs of all member companies.

It is a global association with over over 700 member companies, and is growing its membership annually. Membership includes virtually all major airlines and larger regional carriers, and inflight catering companies world-wide. There is also a wide range of supplier company members, ranging from providers of food and beverages to tableware, and from passenger amenity kits to galley equipment. There is also a strong representation from companies specialising in inflight kitchen equipment.

ITCA acts as a forum for improving communications between the various sectors in the industry, thereby improving their efficiency and effectiveness. Such on-going communication is vital in forging a partnership culture amongst companies in this fast-changing industry.

The membership work closely together in product innovation and the implementation of food technology advances, as well as equipment improvements. ITCA frequently acts as a catalyst for such positive change - the ultimate aim of which is to provide an enhanced customer service.

ITCA is governed by a 15 person Board of Directors which includes a President, two vice-Presidents and a Treasurer. This Board is elected by the membership and comprises 5 operator members, 5 caterer representatives, and 5 supplier company members.

The association's objectives are implemented through a number of standing committees. New committees are formed as required from time to time.

The ITCA Trust Fund

The ITCA Trust Fund is the solid and long-established financial base of the International Travel Catering Association. It is managed by Coutts & Co., the British Royal bankers, and is administered by three Trustees, Ivar Samrén, Chairman of the Van Leer Group Foundation and a past-President of ITCA; Wolfgang Werlé, President and CEO of Hiestand and a past Association vice-President; and past Director and Treasurer of ITCA, Terry Coyle.

The Trust's substantial assets are the guarantee of ITCA's continued financial health and independence.

Aims & Objectives

ITCA's aims and objectives are formulated with the primary purpose of delivering a continually improving service to the final customer - the passenger.

1. To promote cooperation and partnership between operators, caterers and suppliers by providing an on-going forum for industry wide contact, including an annual Conference and Trade Show, as well as regional Conferences.
2. To provide information services to its members through its magazine, newsletters, publications and this website.
3. To act as an agent of communication for the industry with selected target business groups, and with the public generally.
4. To promote education and training within the industry, through the provision of courses on hygiene, safety, logistics and management development as appropriate. To also cooperate with hotel schools and universities in the inclusion of travel catering modules in undergraduate and post-graduate programmes.
5. To promote within the industry best practice on environmental issues and waste management, and to foster the ideal of member companies being responsible corporate citizens in these areas.
6. To continuously promote innovation and excellence within the industry, and to encourage it through the provision of peer group recognition awards.
7. To ensure that good relationships are maintained with relevant government and regulatory authorities, ensuring that the industry's voice is heard and understood by legislators.
8. To assist in the development of uniform standards as far as possible within the industry, thereby leading to improved efficiencies.