NTA opening doors to other professions
The National Tour Association (NTA) is opening its doors to travel agents, bank travel planners and other professional travel buyers at its Annual Convention.
“As part of its ongoing efforts to bring more business opportunities to its members, NTA has invited professional travel buyers to the 2007 Annual Convention in Kansas City, Nov. 2–6,” the association says. They are invited to take part in a one-day program connecting them with the expertise and diverse tour product of NTA tour operators.
“According to the Outside Sales Support Network, only 31% of home-based agents have developed a niche for tours,” said NTA Chairman and CEO Randy Julian. “This indicates that there is huge potential for tour operators and professional buyers, such as the home-based agent, to work together.
He said the NTA is aware that travel agents are searching for new revenue sources. NTA tour operators, in turn, are always looking for new outlets for their packaged travel products.
Professional travel buyers and NTA tour operators will have the opportunity to explore potential partnerships during the Buyer-to-Buyer Exchange.
During prescheduled meetings, tour operators will be able to discuss the types of packages and products they offer and travel buyers can explain who their clients are and the types of travel packages they desire.
“NTA is offering professional travel buyers the chance to connect with the most distinguished and respected tour operators in the industry,” said Mr Julian. “And more than 53% — that’s more than 308 tour operators — offer travel agent commissions.”
Registration for the 2007 NTA Annual Convention is currently open.
The National Tour Association has a global membership of tourism professionals involved in the growth and development of the packaged travel industry that includes 600 tour operator companies.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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