6 Successes for NTA Government Relations in 2011 | What to Pack for Contact
July 12, 2011
|
|
Interested in advertising in Tuesday? E-mail Kami Risk.
TODAY’S ARTICLES
6 Successes for NTA Government Relations in 2011
What to Pack for Contact
Pop Quiz: What Ends One Month from Today?
China Travel Trade Barometer Guides U.S. Travel Pros into China Market
Report: Tourism Marketing Is a Rewarding Investment
Make Plans to Stand Out at Convention ’11
Tourism Cares for Louis Armstrong Memorial Park
Are You in the Southeast or Southwest? Or Are You a Museum, Sightseeing Rail or Literary Attraction? Have We Got an Issue for You!
Industry News And Updates: Focus on Parks
NTA Job Center
6 Successes for NTA Government Relations in 2011
Last week’s news that U.S. states and Canadian provinces voted down a registration plan for charter buses was a government relations victory, said Steve Richer, NTA public affairs advocate.
"NTA and the United Motorcoach Association worked together to defeat the proposal," Richer said. "We contacted government and transportation leaders to explain that if motorcoaches were required to pre-register before entering a state or province, many of those destinations would lose out on tourism revenue." With the plan’s defeat, operating companies will now be spared both the cost and paperwork to register their charter equipment.
The victory was the latest in a string of good news enjoyed by NTA’s government relations efforts this year:
- Long a goal of NTA, the U. S. Senate Travel & Tourism Caucus became a reality in June, established under the leadership of four senators with a proven tourism track record.
- Also in June, NTA and other travel associations worked successfully with Mexican tourism leaders on several topics that include expanding NTA connections with Mexican travel professionals and fine-tuning travel warnings.
- In May, the Grassroots Congressional Summit for Travel convened in Washington, D.C.; attendees held some 50 appointments on Capitol Hill with members of Congress or their staff.
- In March, Cathy Greteman and Lisa Simon (NTA 2011 chair and president, respectively) strengthened industry ties and raised the visibility of NTA in a series of meetings in Washington, D.C., and New York City.
- In January, President Obama’s executive order, long requested by NTA, opened the door for travel to Cuba that includes religious, academic, cultural and "people-to-people" activities.
To fuel the ongoing efforts of our Government Relations team, NTA members will be running (or walking … or sleeping in) at 5K Fun(d) Run/Walk/Sleep events at Contact and Convention. See the Tuesday story here.
Wondering what you should squeeze into your suitcase as you prepare for Contact? It’s not uncommon to worry about leaving something behind, so we’ve compiled a list of items unique to your upcoming experience. (And by the way, it’s not too late to register!)
- Taste buds. You’ll be using these-a lot-if you’re taking part in the pre-Contact Culinary Fam.
- Memory cards. With the abundant sights and sounds of Rhode Island waiting to be captured by your photo and video cameras, you’ll want extra digital storage at your disposal.
- Business cards. Bring at least 150. You’ll need them. And if you’re wondering who’s coming to Contact, you can see the list here.
- Shades. You’ll be "on location" for the Icebreaker at Rosecliff Mansion, the backdrop for several Hollywood films. You want to look the part, right? Plus, Newport weather should be gorgeous and sunny.
- Notebook. Normally, you’d want to pack something to record all the takeaways you’ll get in Contact’s educational sessions. But don’t bother: We’ll have one there for you!
- Bright ideas. You’ll be spending three days with some of the industry’s best, and that includes you. Sharing ideas and information is an important key to Contact and to making your company the best it can be.
- Running shoes. Have you ever tried running or walking a 5K Run in dress shoes? Not recommended.
- Boat shoes. Sure footing is a must when you’re competing in a mini regatta on an America’s Cup boat or riding on one of the spectator boats. Also, it’s another opportunity to look the part (though tennis shoes will work fine, too).
- Lobster bib. You don’t really have to bring one—you’ll have access to one there. But if you happen to own one that you’re partial to, the lobsterbake at Eisenhower House is the place to show it off to all your Contact cronies.
If you still need to register for Contact, now is the perfect time. If you’ve already registered, you’re now ready to start packing your bags.
Pop Quiz: What Ends One Month from Today?
Early bird registration 
for Convention ’11 ends on August 12! That leaves you with only one month to save money on one of the most important investments you’ll make this year. Here’s how much you will save when you register before the deadline:
Tour operators save $110 (Plus, registering before Aug. 12 makes you eligible for the tour operator rebate—an additional $650.)
Tour suppliers save $200
DMOs save $200
And don’t forget that you can register now and pay later by clicking the "check" option on your registration form. We’ll sign you up at the Early Bird rate and send you an invoice. Register now and go ahead and cross another item off your "To Do" list. We’ll see you in Vegas!
China Travel Trade Barometer Guides U.S. Travel Pros into China Market
China’s tour operators publish itineraries at a remarkable rate, according to the most recent China Travel Trade Barometer, an NTA, Ivy Alliance and Travel Market Insights program.
Itineraries are what Chinese tour operators use to market travel to specific destinations in the United States, and frequent updates allow for the introduction of new tours and product. China’s frequency of published itineraries provides U.S. travel suppliers a great opportunity to tap the ever-expanding number of Chinese travelers, said Scott Johnson, who produces the Barometer.
"In China, tour operators are publishing year-round," Johnson said. "Contrast that to Germany, for example, where there is usually only a summer and winter catalog published."
The Barometer, based on a survey of the leading tour operators in China, showed that 88 percent of operators publish itineraries in June, with 80 percent publishing in other peak months. Even during the lowest months, November and December, more than two-thirds (68 percent) report publishing itineraries.
The Travel Trade Barometer survey, conducted on a quarterly basis in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany and the People’s Republic of China, is available through subscription. For more information, contact Scott Johnson at Travel Market Insights, +1.518-668-2559, or by e-mail.
For help getting your destination or company in front of Chinese tour operators, contact Haybina Hao, NTA’s director of international development.
Report: Tourism Marketing Is a Rewarding Investment
In the shadow of this month’s closure of the Washington state tourism office, a report from Longwoods International sheds definitive light on the value of marketing. The report, "The Power of Destination Marketing," reveals just what the title implies: Consistent marketing programs can produce a significant positive return on investment to states and cities.
The report highlights two case studies, Michigan and Philadelphia, showing that destination marketing adds tax revenue and jobs, and enhances the lifestyle of both tourists and residents. For both destinations, Longwoods’ research showed that advertising campaigns, even in the midst of economic struggles, increased the number of visitors and repaid the state’s advertising investment many times over in increased tax revenues.
The report also includes a look-back to Colorado’s roller-coaster ride of funding for its tourism marketing. The 20-year case study, published in 2009, attributes the loss of $2 billion in annual sales to the state’s cutting $12 million in promotional dollars. When state-funded marketing was restored, Colorado realized a 12-1 ratio of tax dollars earned for every advertising dollar invested.
And for another take on the situation in Washington state, see this travel blog, in which the writer deems tourism marketing a critical service that states must maintain.
Make Plans to Stand Out at Convention ’11
By attending an NTA Convention you get plenty of benefits: one-on-one appointments, relevant education, networking opportunities and memorable social events.
But in a sea of 2,000 delegates, are you standing out?
Sponsoring and advertising at Convention are the perfect ways to get noticed. Among the numerous promotional opportunities, you’re sure to find one that’s just perfect for your company! Find a sponsorship opportunity, such as tour operator tangible items, luncheons, seminars and refreshments. Or check out advertising options that include the Profile Form Notebook, Convention Daily newsletter and the November issue of Courier (which will have bonus distribution in Vegas!).
Make the most of your experience at Convention. Contact us by e-mail or call +1.859.264.6559 for details today!
Tourism Cares for Louis Armstrong Memorial Park
Tourism Cares, NTA’s official charitable organization, is awarding a 2011–2012 Tourism Cares Globus Special Grant to Parkway Partners Program for the Louis Armstrong Memorial Park in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The Parkway Partners Program is dedicated to empowering the New Orleans community to improve their quality of life by providing opportunities to create and maintain public green space. The grant will help fulfill their mission by supporting the continued care of the Louis Armstrong Memorial Park’s dense canopy of live oaks, insuring these iconic giants are not overwhelmed by infestation.
"Managing the beautiful oak canopy in Louis Armstrong Memorial Park and Congo Square is an investment for the future," said Jean Fahr, Executive Director for the Parkway Partners Program. "With the support of Tourism Cares, the trees will continue to provide shade for music festivals, visitors, brass band parades, protest marches and drum circles."
For more information about Tourism Cares, visit the Web site.
Are You in the Southeast or Southwest? Or Are You a Museum, Sightseeing Rail or Literary Attraction? Have We Got an Issue for You!
If you’re in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina or the Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma or Texas)—or if you’re a museum, sightseeing rail or literary attraction—the September issue of Courier magazine has an editorial feature you’ll want to participate in. Enhance your presence in this issue through a display advertisement and show 1,500 tour operators that you want them to visit you. Contact NTA Services by e-mail or +1.859.264.6559 today for details.
Industry News and Updates: Focus on Parks
- While California still plans to close some 70 state parks amid deep budgets cuts, tentative plans are to postpone park closures from this fall until 2012.
- To replace operating funds diverted to other budgetary needs, Washington state is now requiring passes—$30 per year or $10 per visit—for access to its 120 state parks and other outdoor sites.
- Conservation groups have called on the White House to recommit the federal government to restoring ecosystems and habitats in U.S. national parks.
Travel Alberta is hiring for two positions of Business Development Director to support the tourism marketing efforts of Alberta, Canada, within the United States of America. Travel Alberta is the provincial tourism marketing organization for the Province of Alberta.
Successful candidates will be responsible for establishing, maintaining and supporting relationships with travel trade accounts and promoting Alberta through various sales and marketing initiatives and strategic marketing partnerships. Daily and project-related work will focus on geographic regions within eastern or western United States. Travel within the United States and to/from Alberta is required.
Positions will be filled through a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process closing July 22, 2011. For information on the RFP and scope of work and deliverables, please visit:
Business Development Services, Western United States
Business Development Services, Eastern United States
Click here for the Tuesday archive.