NTA Product Development Trip Information
Overview:
Since 2001, NTA has conducted numerous Product Development Trips to international and North American destinations. The objectives of these trips are:
- to introduce product to NTA tour operators
- to give them the opportunity to learn more about a destination
- to give them the opportunity to meet with suppliers, and
- to give them the tools to develop future product whether it be through buying this product from other operators or developing it themselves.
NTA member destinations and/or tour operators are encouraged to submit proposals for future trips. It is an NTA policy that Product Development Trip proposals may be submitted by any member for any destination. From time to time, NTA may also target a specific destination for a trip. In the latter case, members will be informed of destination targets and be invited to submit competitive proposals.
Template:
Use the following template as a guideline to develop NTA Product Development Trips in coordination with NTA Headquarters:
- The trip must be spearheaded by an NTA member and include support from the area DMO(s) if possible.
- NTA encourages use of an NTA tour operator or receptive operator to handle the trip logistics.
- The trip is open to all NTA tour operators (primary contacts or full-time employees), one participant per tour company (no spouses) unless otherwise approved by the host. The trip is not open to NTA tour suppliers and destinations. The host may work with NTA to qualify attendees.
- The trip is offered exclusively to NTA tour operators, or it is offered to NTA tour operators at a significantly better rate than that of non-members.
- The trip cost will be open-ended and the host will work to keep the trip affordable. Hosts are encouraged to include airfare, when possible. (Past trips to European destinations have averaged in cost from US$450-US$550, including airfare; the 2005 trip to China cost US$902, including airfare.)
- To provide the trip at an affordable cost, the host(s) secures necessary sponsors, such as partnerships with airlines, ground operators, hotels, restaurants, attractions and area destinations.
- The host(s) will provide opening and final events, such as receptions and dinners. They will also need to secure a selection of sponsored meals throughout the trip to limit the tour operator's out-of-pocket expenses.
- The trip itinerary will cover approximately 3-5 days (or longer depending on the destination), and offer general educational touring as well as site inspections of hotels, restaurants and attractions.
- The trip shall not be scheduled within 14 days of an NTA event or other Product Development Trip.
- The Product Development Trip should include a workshop for operators to meet with area suppliers/destinations. Space shall be provided and the logistics shall be coordinated with NTA Headquarters.
- The trip will allow at least one NTA representative to participate, and should consider hosting the editor of Courier magazine and other relevant media.
- The host(s) will be responsible for all aspects of trip logistics and crisis management (weather delays, cancelled flights, etc.). NTA, unless otherwise requested by the host, will take in all individual payments and registrations and provide to the host one final payment and final registration list.
All proposals should be submitted no less than six months prior to the departure of the trip to Lisa Thompson at lisa.thompson@NTAstaff.com.