Onsite Coverage of Tour Operator Spring Meet

March 28, 2003

Onsite Coverage of Tour Operator Spring Meet
The 2003 Tour Operator Spring Meet hit the ground running on Wednesday, March 26, in Victoria, British Columbia, with a flora-fied Icebreaker at stunning Butchart Gardens.

Spring Meet attendees reconnected with industry peers in an atmosphere of flowers, West Coast cuisine and live music. Members wandered through Butchart Gardens’ restaurants sampling four courses, while networking and rekindling friendships.

First time Spring Meet attendee Art Kuhn from Art Lewis Tours, Inc., in Saginaw, Mich., said the one-on-one contact with other tour operators is beneficial.

"The Spring Meet gives you the opportunity to really sit down and talk business with others who share the same concerns," he said.

Thursday morning began with a motivating Power Breakfast. Humor – A Powerful Tool for Coping with Change, led by Kathleen Passanissi. She revealed how humor can be a desirable and constructive force in the workplace.

"Humor affects your mood and mood affects your performance," Passanissi said. "You are in the people business and have to create rapport. The beauty of travel is that it gives you space and distance from real life."

Thursday’s General Crackerbarrel found members getting down to business as they discussed the state of the industry, NTA’s direction for the future and more. Facilitated by 2003 NTA Chairman Charlie McIlvain, CTP, and NTA President Hank Phillips, CTP, the crackerbarrel addressed the state of the travel industry in light of the war, airline and government relations issues, student tours as well as the Consumer Protection Plan.

On the education front, Phil Otterson of Tauck World Discovery addressed the issue of global tourism during an insightful Cross-Cultural Relations – NTA & the Global Travel Community seminar. Bringing his wealth of expertise to the subject, Otterson provided practical and useful information on developing successful business relationships with people from all corners of the world.

Thursday afternoon, members were invited to a special InfoZone Reception, where they could mingle with other attendees as well as with NTA’s corporate partners and associate members.

Check back later today for more coverage of the NTA Tour Operator Spring Meet.

Click here to view full coverage of the 2003 Tour Operator Spring Meet.