The WYSE Travel Confederation — short for World Youth Student and Educational Travel Confederation — is the only global not-for-profit membership organisation dedicated to the youth, student and educational travel industry. It connects travel professionals, advocacy groups, researchers and organisations that specialise in travel experiences for young people around the world. WYSE Travel Confederation+1
Origins and Purpose
WYSE Travel Confederation was formed in 2006 through the merger of two historic associations: the International Student Travel Confederation (ISTC) and the Federation of International Youth Travel Organisations (FIYTO), both established after World War II to promote cultural exchange and affordable travel for students and young people. Wikipedia
Today it serves as the world’s most extensive network of youth, student and educational travel professionals with 600 + members across 120 + countries. These members provide services ranging from study abroad and cultural exchange programmes to work-abroad opportunities, youth accommodation, insurance, flights and language travel products. WYSTC+1
Mission and Vision
WYSE’s mission is to connect the global travel community through research, education, advocacy and networking activities focused on youth travel. Its core aim is to support travel opportunities that broaden horizons, promote cultural understanding, and facilitate personal and professional development for young people worldwide. WYSE Travel Confederation+1
It operates on four strategic pillars:
- Trading – facilitating commercial connections among buyers and sellers of youth travel products and services. WYSE Travel Confederation
- Research – producing up-to-date market intelligence to help the industry understand global youth travel dynamics. WYSE Travel Confederation
- Education – providing seminars, workshops and learning resources for professionals. WYSE Travel Confederation
- Advocacy – representing industry interests on issues like visas, sustainability and tourism policy. WYSE Travel Confederation
Why WYSE Matters
The youth and student travel market is a vibrant and rapidly evolving segment of global tourism. Research led by WYSE Travel Confederation — such as its New Horizons studies — shows that youth travellers (typically under age 30) account for a significant share of international travel, influencing trends in how trips are planned, booked, experienced and spent. WYSE Travel Confederation
These travellers often engage in longer, more immersive experiences — including study, volunteering, work abroad, language learning and cultural exchange — which can have lasting economic and social benefits for destinations. WYSE Travel Confederation
By providing exclusive market intelligence, advocacy platforms, and networking forums, WYSE helps businesses, governments and institutions better serve this dynamic travel segment and tap into opportunities for growth and collaboration. WYSE Travel Confederation
Membership and Global Impact
Members of WYSE Travel Confederation include:
- Adventure tour and backpacking operators
- Cultural exchange and work-abroad programme providers
- Language schools and education agents
- Student accommodation and hostel networks
- Travel insurance and flight service providers
- Universities and study-abroad organisations
- Youth travel retailers and national associations WYSTC
Collectively, these members provide millions of travel experiences each year for young people, making WYSE a central hub for industry collaboration, responsible travel standards and trend insights. WYSE Travel Confederation
Events and Industry Collaboration
WYSE also plays a significant role in organising and supporting trade events that bring youth travel professionals together. For example, its annual World Youth and Student Travel Conference (WYSTC) is one of the leading global events for networking, professional development and business matchmaking in the youth travel sector. WYSTC
It also partners with organisations like the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) to enhance cooperation in student mobility and exchange programmes, reflecting its broader role in shaping the future of youth travel and education. ESN
Conclusion
The WYSE Travel Confederation plays a vital role in shaping global youth, student and educational travel by fostering a collaborative network of professionals, promoting research-driven insights, advocating for industry interests, and supporting sustainable and inclusive travel opportunities. For organisations involved in youth travel — and for young travellers themselves — WYSE provides the platforms, knowledge and connections needed to thrive in an ever-changing travel landscape. WYSE Travel Confederation