ALTO is the global forum for agents, schools, and language travel associations, providing a platform for members to network, create trading opportunities, and act on issues facing the industry. Membership is open to the leaders of organisations and businesses involved in language or educational travel. Formed at the World Youth & Student Travel Conference (WYSTC) in Miami in 1998, ALTO has over the years fallen under the umbrella of several prestigious organisations such as the International Student Travel Confederation (ISTC), the Federation of International Youth Travel Organisations (FIYTO), and the World Youth Student & Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation. In 2011, ALTO started a new era as an independent professional association, and continues to thrive with a growing membership base. ICEF has been a member and active suppporter of ALTO since its foundation in 1998.