Luray, Va., Travel Professional to Chair NTA 2008 Annual Convention

September 19, 2005

Luray, Va., Travel Professional to Chair NTA 2008 Annual Convention
September 19, 2005 – John Shaffer, a native Luray, Va., travel professional, will serve as chairman of the 2008 National Tour Association Annual Convention scheduled for Nov. 15-19, 2008, in Pittsburgh, Pa. NTA’s Annual Convention, which regularly attracts thousands of travel professionals, is recognized as the premier marketplace for buying and selling packaged travel.

 

"I am excited and honored to serve as chairman for this premier industry event," Shaffer said. "I have been amazed at the renaissance of the city of Pittsburgh during my recent visits there. The hospitality of the industry has been second to none – you feel like you’re visiting family. The new look and the vibrancy of Pittsburgh makes it one of the finest cities in North America and a great host for the NTA Convention."

 

Shaffer has served in numerous capacities at the local, state and national levels for the tourism industry for nearly three decades. He previously served as director-at-large on the NTA Board of Directors and is a past president of the Shenandoah Valley Travel Association. He also has served on the Travel Industry Association of America Government Relations Committee and testified for the industry on Capitol Hill. Shaffer is a current member of the board for the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association, and the Luray Page County Chamber of Commerce.

 

"I’m very pleased John has agreed to be the 2008 Convention Chair," NTA Chairman and CEO Ann Thomas, CTP, said. "Based on his long-standing commitment to this association – including his outstanding work with the Grassroots Symposium, the NTA Leadership Team and his service as a director at-large on the NTA board – I know he will do a great job."

 

Shaffer is a graduate of the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech and has worked for the Luray Caverns Corporation for nearly 30 years. He has been involved in various company departments including the ticket office, tour guide director and sales manager. He is currently the director of marketing and sales.

 

The National Tour Association has nearly 4,000 tourism professional members from 28 countries involved in the growth and development of the packaged travel industry. Its membership includes tour operators – group, independent, inbound and outbound – and the destinations and suppliers that partner with them. The association is committed to providing business results and information to its members, while offering a collaborative, caring environment in which to build relationships. For more information, please visit http://www.ntaonline.com/.

 

-30-