NTA Reaches Out Following Hurricane Katrina

August 31, 2005

NTA Reaches Out Following Hurricane Katrina
August 31, 2005 – The National Tour Association is reaching out to its members following Hurricane Katrina. Serving as a clearinghouse of information for its members, the association is assisting in any way possible to help those in need.

 

"For the NTA family, this disaster goes beyond business. It’s personal," NTA President Hank Phillips, CTP, said. "While we are concerned about the hurricane’s impact on business, we also are focused on the personal side of the situation. That includes determining the location and status of people, facilitating communication, and offering personal support in any way we can."

 

The association first began communicating with its members on Aug. 24 when Katrina was still a tropical storm. NTA continued to monitor the situation as Katrina strengthened and on Monday, NTA began updating members using This Just In on NTA Online, the member forums, a special Hurricane Katrina Update page on the Web site, and targeted e-mails. The association also provided updates in the Tuesday e-newsletter.

 

"Through the NTA family and association tools, members are able to express concerns for friends and colleagues, share updates, and convey personal needs," NTA Chairman and CEO, Ann Thomas, CTP said. "The association is also asking to hear from tour operators who may have clients from the Gulf Coast area who are now stranded out on tour because they cannot get back home. Members are working together to offer alternative destinations and tours, as well as to communicate the status of affected business."

 

Most recently, NTA learned that the state of Louisiana is desperately trying to get motorcoaches to evacuate people from New Orleans. NTA immediately communicated with its members, asking for motorcoaches within 24 hours to transport anyone out of the city. These operators will be helping to save people’s lives, according to NTA’s contact in Louisiana.

 

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/.

 

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