Open my world: Who’s who at NTA

June 19, 2018

This is the third of a weekly segment titled “Open my world.” Meetings mean business. And you can do a lot of both with NTA’s unique tour suppliers and destinations who are attending Travel Exchange ’18 in Milwaukee. Visit with these partners to add that “wow” factor to current and future tour programs.

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
NTA contact: Dona Basham
Canon City, Colorado
Royalgorgebridge.com
Markets: Adventure, student, family

With the completion of the new 14,000 sq. foot Visitor Center sitting on the very edge of the Royal Gorge, the park now is open on a daily basis. The new facility’s deck overhang gives spectacular views of the gorge and the bridge. A large gift shop and restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating for 200 face the Royal Gorge. Attractions include aerial gondola rides, Plaza Theater and Historical Expo to include a magic show and an aerial acrobatics show and America’s highest Cloudscraper ZipLine.

American Quilter’s Society
NTA contact: Bonnie Browning
Paducah, Kentucky
Americanquilter.com
Markets: Arts/culture, senior, faith-based

American Quilter’s Society is the largest quilting membership organization in the world, and it produces six of the largest quilting events throughout the United States: Daytona Beach, Florida; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Paducah, Kentucky (spring); Grand Rapids, Michigan; Paducah, Kentucky (fall); and Virginia Beach, Virginia. Visitors can experience hundreds of quilts and a large Merchant Mall with the latest machines and supplies, as well as workshops, lectures, and special quilt-related events.

Buffalo Niagara CVB
NTA contact: Leah Mueller
Buffalo, New York
Visitbuffaloniagara.com
Markets: Culinary, history/heritage, music, student

Buffalo has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, from a redeveloped waterfront and revitalized neighborhoods to a burgeoning craft beer scene and over $1 billion in new investment. Visit seven Frank Lloyd Wright structures and stroll through Frederick Law Olmsted parks. Spend the morning with Andy Warhol at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the afternoon with a Broadway show at Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the evening with the Grammy Award-winning Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Looking for history? Step on board a river cruise into the city’s industrial past. Our itineraries will help you hit the high points, Buffalo wings (invented at the city’s Anchor Bar) and all!