Tuesday Newsletter
April 19, 2005
Tuesday Newsletter April 19, 2005
April 19, 2005: Volume 25; Issue 9
Registration for the 2005 Annual Convention in Detroit (Nov. 4-8) opens in two weeks. Your first step is to watch the mail for a tri-fold Convention brochure that includes a schedule, a timeline of pertinent deadlines and a frequently asked questions section about this year’s big event.
The more concise brochure is being mailed in place of the complete registration brochure, and the detailed registration information will be available at NTA Online. Click here to find out more on the Convention fees and registration deadlines.
Better Business … Better Be There.
Western Hemisphere Passport Update
With the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative continuing to generate a lot of media attention, there are many questions floating around about what happens next. The measure would require all citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted secure documentation to enter or reenter the U.S. starting Jan. 1, 2008.
Concerns have arose about the implications the initiative would have on travelers, as well as those who cross the border on a regular basis for business. President George W. Bush has instructed U.S. Department of State and Department of Homeland Security officials to revisit the plan for fear that it would "disrupt the honest flow of traffic" across the borders. Once this review is complete, the issue should become a little clearer.
While there is no specific call to action right now as your association awaits the results of that review, NTA is actively providing information to the State Department and others on the potential impact the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative would have on the tourism industry. More on this topic will be covered in future issues of Tuesday and on "This Just In" at NTA Online.
More on the ".travel" Domain Name
The tentative timeline for purchasing your ".travel" domain name has been modified. NTA expects to begin offering pre-authentication to its members between June 15 and July 1. After that, ".travel" will be available for purchase only by association members who have pre-authenticated during a "limited launch" period (Sept. 1-Nov. 30).
As far as what domain names you can purchase, NTA member companies will only be able to acquire those names to which your company has a "right." Although the naming rules for ".travel" have not been finalized, you must already "own" the name you seek as a legal business name, doing business as name, service mark or trademark. Other optional name criteria include owning current ".com," ".net" or other Web addresses, acronyms, vessel names and marketed slogans.
The timeline for purchasing ".travel" domains and working out naming issues may continue to be adjusted as the details are finalized between Tralliance and the Internet Corporation for Names and Numbers. NTA will keep members updated via Tuesday newsletter and NTA Online.
For more information on ".travel," click here. top of page
Audio from Berkely Web Seminars Available
If you missed the Berkely Group’s Web seminars on insurance changes last month, you can now listen to the contents at NTA Online. A link on the Web site contains the audio portion of both seminars, which covered such topics as the new application process and procedures for renewing professional liability coverage.
To hear the Web seminar, click here. NOTE: You will need your individual ID and password to access this page.
Looking for Coverage in News Stories?
Listen up industry professionals – travel reporters and writers need your immediate help. NTA has been contacted by a couple of major news outlets for comments on two specific issues and, by responding to these inquiries, you could generate coverage for your company.
Family Travel Network is looking for your input on:
The San Jose Mercury News is working on a special for their Sunday travel section. If your company packages travel for the Biennale Art Exhibit in Venice, Italy, their reporter wants to talk to you. This spectacular event has occurred every other year since 1895.
Due to pending deadlines, please contact NTA’s Public Relations Specialist Sara Morton as soon as possible – if your company can speak about either of these topics – via e-mail sara.morton@ntastaff.com or call her at 800-682-8886, ext. 4418 (U.S. or Canada), or 859-226-4418.
Tour Operator Member Needs Survey
Tour operators were sent an e-mail on April 14 with a link to an NTA Member Needs Survey. Please take the time to complete this survey, as the results are critical in helping NTA clearly define and target marketing programs and business opportunities for tour operators.
If you did not receive this e-mail, or if you have any questions about the survey, please contact Sandy Stansfield, CTP, via e-mail at sandy.stansfield@ntastaff.com. A reminder e-mail will be sent to all tour operators who did not complete the survey on Thursday, April 21.
Nominations Sought for Prestigious Awards
Bruce Beckham, CTP, executive director of Tourism Cares for Tomorrow, announced the opening of nominations for the 2005 Smithsonian Magazine/Tourism Cares for Tomorrow Sustainable Tourism Awards. Winners are chosen for outstanding performance in two categories: preservation and conservation.
If you know of any projects in the U.S. or overseas that have demonstrated innovation in sustainable tourism, nominations can be made by May 15 by filling out the proper forms, which are available at http://www.sustainabletourismawards.com/.
Coming Soon … Chairman’s Quarterly Letter
Be on the look out for a letter from NTA Chairman Ann Thomas, CTP, which is part of an ongoing effort to keep you informed about things pertaining to your association. The letter, which should be to you by week’s end, is the first in a series of four e-letters that will be distributed in 2005.
The first one will focus on highlights from the first quarter of 2005, including a Spring Meet update. It also will look ahead to some of the important events that are on the horizon – the Grassroots Symposium, Tourism – Caring for America’s Mt. Vernon Work Project, the NTA Strategic Planning Meeting and Annual Convention.
Hall of Fame Dinner Gets First Platinum Sponsor
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has confirmed its commitment to recognizing the leadership in the travel industry, by signing up as a Platinum level sponsor for the Tourism Cares Hall of Fame event, to be held June 14 in New York City.
Becky Casey, Travel Industry Sales, North America for Starwood announced their pledge saying, "It is a pleasure to get involved in fundraising for Tourism Cares for Tomorrow and to honor leaders of the caliber of Gilbert Haroche and John Stachnik."
Have you made your reservations for the Hall of Fame festivities yet? Visit http://www.tourismcaresfortomorrow.org/ to get signed up to attend or for sponsorship information.
Membership Directory – One Last Chance
The 2005-06 NTA Membership Directory is now in production. You have a final chance to get your company name in front of NTA members through the Directory by purchasing an insert to go with the mailing of the publication. The deadline to submit your insert is May 15, and pricing will be based on the size and weight of the insert.
For more information, contact Taryn Lendrum, NTA advertising coordinator, by calling 800-682-8886, ext. 3549 (U.S. and Canada), or 859-219-3549, or via e-mail at taryn.lendrum@hostcommunications.com.