
NTA Remembers Sept. 11, 2001
September 11, 2003
NTA Remembers Sept. 11, 2001
Two years ago today, the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the subsequent crash of United Airlines Flight 93 changed our world forever. For NTA members, Sept. 11, 2001 represents a personal tragedy that quickly manifested itself into a professional loss that is still evident today.
The familial bond of NTA’s membership has proven even stronger since the tragedy. From the immediate response of providing assistance to stranded clients to today’s practice of partnering to make tours successful, NTA members have weathered the crisis together.
"It has been said that adversity does not build character, but reveals character, and that has certainly proven true since that dreadful attack of two years ago," said NTA President Hank Phillips, CTP. "Each and every day the travel industry has demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and in a very real sense, a form of courage that keeps us all going during these very difficult and uncertain times.
"My heart goes out to our members for what they have suffered. More than that, I feel an enormous amount of pride in those members that is matched only by my confidence about the future. These great people simply refuse to be defeated by adversity."
Speaking from Toronto, where the NTA Board of Directors is holding its September meeting, NTA Chairman Charlie McIlvain, CTP, also expressed confidence for the future.
"It’s been a challenging time for our industry, but here in Toronto, one of the cities hardest hit with problems, we are seeing signs of recovery," said McIlvain. "The word on the street everywhere we’ve been is that things are beginning to pick up somewhat for the fourth quarter this year and looking a little better for next year. There is certainly hope on the horizon, and collectively I know we’ll work through this. We have a bright future ahead of us."
NTA invites members to use the Member Forums on NTA Online to share how you are commemorating Sept. 11, 2001 or what you and your business or organization have done to move past the tragedy and encourage the public to travel again. To log on to the Member Forums, click here.