National Tour Association Annual Convention Report: From the Show Floor

The National Tour Association met in Salt Lake City for its annual convention early last week. The conference’s main event is its Tour and Travel Exchange, where thousands of tour operators and travel suppliers meet to discuss business and develop travel packages. This years conference had an energized, positive tone with most delegates reporting a strong 2006 sales and having high expectations for continued growth in 2007.

Several enhancements have been introduced to the Exchange which expand opportunity for up to 30% more scheduled business meetings. The NTA electronic appointment system, in addition to its advance appointment scheduling procedure, now features a program where suppliers and tour operators may extend meeting times as well as fill vacancies with new appointments. NTAs electronic open appointment postings are made available in advance of the convention and updated throughout the meeting. Other enhancements include offering more time for the DMO marketplace and integrating all supplier categories to be on the floor at the same time.

Randy Julian, NTAs Chairman and CEO, said that NTA continues to incorporate new programs that provide the necessary tools to help tour operator build their business in the current economic and changing package traveler environment. Many operators have identified their most popular packages are those that focus on special interests and those that highlight themes, events and activities. New customers represent a mix of ages and life experience, diverse preferences in mod and style of travel, and have varied ideas about what the travel experience should be.

According to Julian, one of the most successful efforts is seen in the growth of the tour operator membership. It now represent an extensive range of specialty companies that adds expertise to the growing, diverse package travel mix. Not only do tour operator members benefit from these new relationships through added business connections and partner programs, NTA suppliers bring to the table the extent of North American facilities and services that are required for contemporary traveler and specialty travel packaging. This years Speed Dating forum was designed specifically for tour operator members to meet one another and introduce new specialty packages and services. Another area of growth is with international market that now represents 28 nations.

NTA announced the launch of a one-year pilot program with GE Consumer Finance. Fifteen NTA tour operators are participating in this program, which offers an opportunity for travelers to purchase a vacation package that can be financed through one of the GECF’s private label deferred interest credit products. This program will be unique to NTA and offers a way for travelers to afford a spur of the moment trip and to book dream vacations on a timely basis.

Also announced is NTAs partnership with Temple University in revamping its Certified Tour Professional Program. The CTP program is celebrating its 20th year and has graduated more than 600 travel professionals. The CTP designation will continue to be the recognized measurement of quality and dedication of travel and tourism professionals. The new program will be launched in fall 2007, with an updated and expanded curriculum relevant to 21st Century industry standards.

NTAs Government Relations effort, led by Jim Santini, continues to be of critical importance to the association. Key issues being followed are the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, boarder crossings and security procedures, access and fees to National Parks, and Fair Labor Standards. Other activities include relationship development with members of Congress, old and new.

By Elana Andersen

Courtesy of grouptravelblog