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Prospect Newsletter October 2009

500 Travel Buyers Expected at Convention ‘09

NTA is expecting more than 500 travel buyers to be in attendance at Convention '09 in Reno, Nov. 14-18. To date, more than 300 NTA tour operators have registered to attend and more than 200 buyers are expected from the World Religious Travel Association, which will co-locate with NTA in Reno

Convention '09 promises access to buyers who package inbound, outbound and North American travel in many niche markets. The industry's most diverse group of tour operators will be in attendance in Reno for the best product development opportunities in the industry.

It is not too late to attend the NTA Convention and experience the added value of WRTA's event as well. Qualified tour operators can register for the NTA convention guest program for the low rate of $99, which includes access to the WRTA Expo floor. Or, if you wish to sell your venue or destination to the combined vast network of buyers, consider our combined seller package which allows access to both show floors. For more information about these opportunities, contact Chris Horsley at +1.859.226.4354.

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Marketing Made Easy with NTA Membership Lists

One of many great advantages to being an NTA member is access to up-to-date member information through the association's Web site. Using NTA's member searches, one can research and contact thousands of business partners.

Using several search options, members can customize their results to narrow down a very qualified lead list. From there, the information can be viewed cia the members's profile or can be easily downloaded into an Excel database to be saved for mail merge and the lists can be incorporated into sales tools.

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CTP Offers Competitive Edge and Professional Development

Everyone is looking for a competitive edge, as well as cost-effective opportunities for professional development. NTA offers a solution with its Certified Tour Professional program, a worthy investment and valuable asset in enhancing your knowledge and credibility.

The CTP program focuses on three distinct subject areas: leadership, sales and marketing, and financial management. The curriculum was created by Temple University's School of Tourism and Hospitality Management along with input of NTA members.

Through this program, which was designed for busy professionals, you can earn your designation within a year. All materials needed are available online or you can attend seminars at NTA's Convention '09 in Reno to earn credit. NTA will honor several new CTP graduates this November.

Enroll today in the CTP program and you're on the way to being honored as a new CTP graduate at the 2010 NTA Convention in Montréal.

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Budgeting for 2010? Book Your Advertising Now and Save

With many in the midst of the budgeting process or just getting ready to begin setting 2010 advertising plans, NTA offers you a way to book now and save. There are a variety of great marketing resources available to your company throughout the year to help you brand your company to NTA's experienced tour operators.

Book your 2010 advertisements by Sept. 15 and lock-in at the 2009 rates. Click here to view all the opportunities available to your company for 2010. To receive your customized proposal and your 2009 rate quotes, contact your account executive at 800.682.8886, ext. 4241 (U.S. and Canada) or 859.226.4241.

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U.S.-Canadian Border Travel Update

Recent statistics show that travel across the U.S.-Canadian border is at a new low, which may be partially due to confusion over current border crossing regulations. Keeping travelers aware of regulations may facilitate new growth in the number of travelers across the border.

Particular confusion exists regarding student and youth travel. Children under age 16 are able to continue crossing land and sea borders using only a U.S. birth certificate (or other form of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate). The original birth certificate or a copy may be used. U.S. and Canadian citizens under age 19 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization, or sports team, may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate or a Canadian Citizenship Card.

For more information on cross border identification requirements, click here.

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Tourism Cares Awards Nearly US$40,000 in Scholarships

Similar to its affiliation with NTA, Tourism Cares is the official philanthropy of the American Society of Travel Agents. Tourism Cares, the administrator of the ASTA Scholarship Fund, is awarding nearly US$40,000 in scholarships to 20 travel, tourism and hospitality students. The recipients' attend various educational institutions across the United States including Arizona State University, Pepperdine University, Purdue University and George Washington University.

"It is a top priority of Tourism Cares to provide financial support and educational opportunities for travel, tourism, and hospitality students and it's particularly important during these challenging times," said Bruce Beckham, executive director of Tourism Cares.

In addition to monetary awards ranging from US$750 to US$4,000, the academic scholarship recipients are also invited to attend the Tourism Cares "Experience the Industry" Student Program at NTA's Convention '09. The program gives students the opportunity to shadow professional mentors and participate in workshops. Students are given a glimpse of the industry and will gain firsthand experience through mentoring opportunities.

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Here's a look at the research, statistics and news that came out this week that may apply to you and your business:

• The U.S. Department of Commerce released information on international markets (research reports, leads) and foreign travel events. Click here for more information.


• Clear, the dominant U.S. Registered Traveler service until it suddenly shut down in late June, could resume operations by the end of the year if a Bay Area investment banker's efforts to restructure the debt of its parent company are successful. Click here for the full article.


• According to the October issue of Conde Nast Traveler, its 12th annual survey of business travelers showed that while 50 percent of respondents report that their companies have reduced the number of employees who travel, 12 percent actually increased business travel spending and 20 percent believe their spending will soon return to pre-recession levels.


• Travel Alert from the U.S. Department of State on China — China is now enforcing quarantines on passengers that exhibit flu or fever-like symptoms. For more information, click here.


• Know before you go — U.S. Customs and Border Control created a helpful Web site to inform travelers of the rules for bringing items back from a trip.


• Click here for audio from a webinar from VolunTourism.org where host David Clemmons is joined by Christopher P. Baker, renowned photo-journalist and the world's foremost authority on travel to Cuba, and Kimberly Haley Coleman, founder and executive director of Globe Aware, about travel to Cuba.

The links in this article are not continually monitored by NTA staff. Any bad links, expired pages, etc. are due to the constantly changing nature of Web sites.

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Are you planning to become an NTA member in 2010? Why not start your membership early so you can activate your marketing plan sooner? Join after November 1st, and we'll throw in membership for the rest of 2009 at no cost with your paid 2010 membership. To receive a 2010 membership application, contact Christina Horsley at +1.859.226.4354.

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