NTA Announces New Director of Sales and Sponsorship Executive

May 26, 2004

NTA Announces New Director of Sales and Sponsorship Executive
May 26, 2004 – Lexington, Ky. – The National Tour Association has announced that Cheryl Ealy, former vice president of sales for the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau, has been selected as NTA’s Director of Sales and Sponsorship Executive.

"Cheryl brings to NTA a remarkable blend of knowledge, ability and commitment, as well as extensive travel and tourism industry experience," said NTA President Hank Phillips, CTP. "And because of her years of active involvement with NTA as a former member herself, she possesses a great understanding of the organization and the ways in which NTA can continue to benefit its members."

Ealy is a long-time veteran to the travel and tourism industry. She joined the Quad Cities CVB in 1999, where she was responsible for the development and implementation of the sales programs. In 2001, Ealy qualified as a Certified Meeting Professional and later completed this designation specializing in the Group/Niche travel field. Ealy’s earlier professional endeavors include working as an account executive for three advertising agencies and positions with several hotel and casinos where she was instrumental in developing the sales and marketing plans.

Ealy’s new duties at NTA include managing the sponsorship sales for the NTA Tour Operator Spring Meet and Annual Convention, as well as managerial oversight of advertising sales on NTA’s official publications. Ealy will help NTA members market themselves to the important NTA tour operator audience through NTA events and publications including the Annual Convention and Courier magazine.

"I am excited about being part of NTA. Coming from a Convention and Visitors Bureau and working closely with a State Tourism Department will give me the expertise and outside view to assist me in creating new business opportunities and promotional efforts in my new role as Director of Sales/Sponsorship Executive," said Ealy.

The National Tour Association is an organization of nearly 4,000 tourism professionals from 20 countries representing the packaged travel industry. NTA provides unsurpassed business opportunities, knowledge and information to businesses involved in tour operator packaged travel. NTA also serves as a consumer advocate through its code of ethics, stringent membership requirements and education. For more information, visit http://preseason.ntaonline.com/www.ntaonline.com

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