Tuesday Newsletter – March 31, 2009
March 31, 2009
Volume 29, Issue 13
Tuesday’s title sponsor is FedEx
Interested in advertising in Tuesday? E-mail Kelley Burchell at kelley.burchell@NTAstaff.com.
TODAY’S ARTICLES
NTA and CBS Promote Members and Travel and Tourism
The Berkely Group Reassures NTA Members about Current Insurance Issues
Operator-focused Education Awaits at Spring Meet
Webinar on Travel from Japan and South Korea is April 8
Green is Good for the Environment, but is it Good for Business?
NTA Road Show Scheduled for Tucson
Final Call for Pioneer Award Nominations
Are You Interested in Serving on the NTA Board of Directors?
Become a Tourism Caretaker
Make the Most of Your Convention Experience
April Courier Preview
Correction to Story in the April Issue of Courier
NTA and CBS Promote Members and Travel and Tourism
NTA has developed two incredible marketing opportunities that will help promote the association and travel and tourism. The first one is based on an offer from CBS television to get clients of NTA tour operators and receptive operators on U.S. national television during "The Early Show" on CBS.
Through this exclusive invitation, your groups that travel to New York City can be part of the audience for "The Early Show," and CBS will guarantee to turn the cameras on them during the broadcast. As a bonus, the group will receive a free backstage tour of the studio after the show. NTA announced this opportunity last Friday and two groups are booked already with CBS.
If you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, please complete the audience participation/backstage tour form and then you will be contacted by the CBS audience coordinator. If you are unable to submit the form via e-mail, you may fax it to NTA Vice President of Communications Catherine Prather at +1.859.226.4404.
Besides that promotion for NTA and its members, your association also has secured 91 days of advertising time on the CBS "Super Screen" in New York’s Times Square. The NTA ad, which will be seen by 1.5 million travelers each day, promotes a "Live Life and Travel" message that directs viewers to a newly created consumer section of the NTA Web site and encourages them to find an NTA tour operator. NTA tour operators should contact Sara Spencer about placing their free classified ad on this site.
If you have any questions on these promotions, please e-mail catherine.prather@NTAstaff.com.
The Berkely Group Reassures NTA Members about Current Insurance Issues
In light of recent news stories relating to insurance companies and travel insurance plans, NTA Corporate Partner The Berkely Group has provided information regarding the stability of the Berkely-administered, NTA-endorsed travel insurance program. Berkely, with member input, developed a Travel Protection Plan for NTA members based in the United States.
Members that offer the Berkely administered Travel Protection Plan lower the risk of losing this important revenue source because Berkely is the only U.S.-travel insurance administrator of size that is completely independent of insurance company ownership and offers a choice of underwriters. This differs from many other insurance providers that are limited to underwriting and administering only their own programs, which can put NTA members at greater risk of losing both the insurer and administrator for their program if something happens. Additional information on the benefits The Berkely Group and its parent company, Aon, offer NTA members is available if you click here.
The Berkely Group has designed and managed customized travel protection programs for NTA members since becoming a corporate partner in 1998. Questions about Berkely programs and policies, including the NTA Travel Protection Plan, can be directed to the company’s dedicated NTA Account Representative, Geni Priolo, at 800.383.9617.
Operator-focused Education Awaits at Spring Meet
The seminar lineup for this year’s Spring Meet in Monterey, California, is filled with incredible opportunities. You’ve already heard about the return of Dr. Peter Tarlow, who will speak on the economy and crisis and risk management as well as offer free one-on-one advice to tour operators, and there is a lot more on tap.
The educational programming kicks off with a Crackerbarrel session. This is your chance to ask questions and share ideas with your fellow tour operators. The Crackerbarrel is an open forum, so the discussion is always timely and topical. If you have a specific topic you’d like to be addressed, you can submit it to Andrea Richardson and it will be shared with the moderators.
Additionally, there are sessions focused on getting more business from niche markets like gay and lesbian, African-American and faith-based travel, as well as an update on sustainable tourism and the green movement. Members of NTA’s Tour20 Group will share some of the results from their benchmarking findings and lead a discussion on timely topics including tips for being more profitable in the current economy and handling human resources/workforce issues.
Visit the Spring Meet Web site for a complete listing of educational sessions and to register for the event. Don’t forget, if you sign up by May 1, you’ll receive the early-bird rate that saves you nearly 30 percent off the regular registration fee.
Webinar on Travel from Japan and South Korea is April 8
There will be a free Webinar Wednesday, April 8, to update travel professionals on the markets of Japan and South Korea, which are both part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Presenters from many U.S. government agencies will provide information on what travelers from the two countries need to know to prepare for their visit to the United States, from pre-departure and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization to the entry and exit process.
In addition to covering ESTA requirements for Visa Waiver Program travelers, officials will focus on inbound market statistics, the deployment of 10-fingerprint collection and protecting travelers’ identities. The session also will allow time for you to ask questions.
The session, which will be presented in English, starts at 8 p.m. (ET, United States), which is 9 a.m. Thursday, April 9, in Japan and South Korea. All participants will receive a link to a recorded version of the program following the presentation.
To receive an e-mail with a link to the Webinar sign-up and dial-in instructions, please send your name, title, organization, address, telephone and fax numbers to rsvp.webinar@dhsbiometrics.com by April 7. If you have further questions about the Webinar, contact Annalisa Meyer.
Green is Good for the Environment, but is it Good for Business?
Sustainable Travel International has produced a new report in conjunction with PhoCusWright titled "Going Green: The Business Impact of Environmental Awareness on Travel." The research delves into whether being "green" is good for travel businesses by examining the behaviors and attitudes of consumers, green ratings systems, the effect of economic conditions on green travel and the importance of accurately communicating green practices.
Some of the report’s key findings include:
- 44 percent of U.S. travelers consider environmental impact to be important to them when planning travel
- A high propensity of green supporters will pay higher prices, which makes available opportunities for premiums for green travel
- Nearly one-third of U.S. travelers would pay such premiums for truly green travel products
- 56 percent are skeptical of what companies are telling them about green practices
- 8 percent think it is easy to find green travel options
If you are interested in purchasing the full report, STI is offering a discounted rate of $100 off the introductory price, which already represents a 20 percent savings, for NTA members who order by March 31. To receive the discount, you should enter the promo code "STImember" during checkout.
NTA Road Show Scheduled for Tucson
NTA’s second Road Show of the year will be held in Tucson in conjunction with the upcoming NTA Board Meeting. During this event, members and prospective members are invited to come together to share ideas, learn more about NTA programs and events and network with association representatives and industry peers.
The Tucson event will be held April 23 at the Tucson Sheraton Hotel & Suites. The program will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by a reception at 5:30. If you have any questions regarding the Tucson Road Show, or want to reserve your spot, contact NTA Director of Membership Development Christina Horsley by April 17.
Watch upcoming issues of Tuesday for dates and sites of future Road Shows.
Final Call for Pioneer Award Nominations
Nominations for the Pioneer Award are due Friday, April 3. The award, which honors individuals whose accomplishments have resulted in a significant change in the travel industry from which NTA and its members have benefited, will be presented during the 2009 Tour Operator Spring Meet in Monterey, California.
A nomination should include a brief narrative (approximately 250 words) about the nominee and any additional information or material may be included with the narrative. The NTA Board of Directors established the award in 2005 and presented the inaugural one at the 2006 Tour Operator Spring Meet to Charles "Chuck" West (posthumously). The 2007 award was presented to Earl Harmon (posthumously), and in 2008, awards were presented to Arthur C. Tauck and Kirk Lanterman.
Nominations can be made by any person employed by an NTA member company, although it is not required that nominees be NTA members. They should be sent to NTA Executive Assistant Celeste Moore.
Are You Interested in Serving on the NTA Board of Directors?
The NTA Nominating Committee seeks candidates to run for three tour operator director, one tour supplier director and one DMO director seat on the 2010 Board of Directors. You are encouraged to apply or nominate another member who you feel would be a good representative for your association.
NTA members are eligible for nomination if they have been employed by an NTA member company for at least two years. No other service or experience criteria apply. Candidates for the officer positions of secretary/treasurer and vice chairman also are being sought and eligible tour operators must have two years of experience on the NTA Board to qualify.
For more information about the nominating process, or if you want to express your interest in board service or nominate a colleague, contact either Nominating Committee Chairman Bob Hoelscher, CTP, or Committee Liaison Matt Grayson at 800.682.8886, ext. 4250 (U.S. and Canada) or +1.859.226.4250.
You can show your commitment to Tourism Cares’ mission of preserving the travel experience for future generations by becoming a Tourism Caretaker. Your $25 tax-deductible donation will help support the efforts of Tourism Cares as it helps preserve and protect natural, cultural and historic sites for future generations to enjoy through grants, scholarships and volunteer restoration events.
"As a tourism professional, I have been privileged to travel the globe, experiencing the wonder and majesty of its historic and natural places," said Marian DiPietro, co-owner and executive vice president of TOURCO, who became a Tourism Caretaker during the NTA Convention in Pittsburgh. "At the same time, I have seen how quickly these special places, when uncared for or unprotected, can be lost, damaged and eroded. I want future generations to have the ability to experience the same joy that I have in my travels. Tourism Cares is dedicated to the protection and preservation of our world’s vast cultural and natural attractions, and so I am an enthusiastic Tourism Caretaker!"
In addition to knowing you are supporting the travel industry’s future, you will receive a Tourism Caretaker lapel pin to wear at industry events, a subscription to Because You Care, the special Tourism Caretaker e-newsletter, plus a $25 Avis/Budget gift certificate. For more information, visit the Tourism Caretaker page on the Tourism Cares Web site.
Make the Most of Your Convention Experience
In these tough economic times, you may be wondering how you can get the most out of NTA’s 2009 Convention. One way to maximize your exposure at the event, which takes place in Reno, Nevada, Nov. 14-18, is through sponsoring.
Sponsorship provides NTA’s valued sellers with a unique way to stand out at this major industry event. With an expected 400 NTA buyers, plus the anticipated 600 delegates from the World Religious Travel Association, you can gain even more visibility to increase your business amid these trying times.
Sponsoring a meal function in Reno is ideal for those looking for a very direct way to reach their target market. Not only will you have numerous sponsor promotions, but more importantly, you’ll be able to showcase your offerings to everyone at the function, address the crowd and serve them a much-appreciated meal. Co-sponsoring an event makes it an even more desirable sponsorship given its premium exposure and affordability.
Sponsorships are sold on first-come, first-served basis, so act now. Contact NTA Vice President of Sales, Karla DiNardo at 800.682.8886, ext. 4232 (U.S. and Canada) or +1.859.226.4232. To learn more about available sponsorships and benefits, click here.
You can get your first look at the 2009 NTA Annual Convention in the April edition of Courier. The issue includes a feature story on this year’s host city, Reno, Nevada, and an article on the format for this year’s Convention. The business section includes a recap of the 2009 Grassroots Symposium, as well as the final installment in Dr. Peter Tarlow’s series on the challenges travel companies face during a difficult economy. Destination articles focus on the Antebellum South, France, New York City (please see article below), Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
UPCOMING DEADLINES:
July Issue — Ad Space: April 29; Editorial: Past
Zoos and Aquariums; Faith-based Travel; Coastal California and Baja; Classic New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont); Eastern Europe; Kentucky; Ohio; Tennessee; and West Virginia.
August Issue — Ad Space: May 27; Editorial: April 1
Theaters; Spa and Wellness Travel; Québec; Greece and Turkey; Pacific Northwest (Northern California, Oregon and Washington); Illinois; Indiana; Michigan; Minnesota; Ontario; and Wisconsin.
September Issue — Ad Space: July 1; Editorial: May 6
Museums; Sightseeing Rail; Ski Resorts and Destinations; Alaska and Western Canada; Southwest (Arizona, Mexico, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas); Germany, Switzerland and Austria; Georgia; Florida; North Carolina; South Carolina.
Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism — The Berkely Group (TPP) — Greater Birmingham CVB — Buffets Inc. — Cherokee Casino & Resort — EIS – European Incoming Services — Empire State Building Observatory — First Data — Georgia Department of Tourism — Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau — Hollywood Casino Bay St. Louis — Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum — The Irvine Chamber Visitors Bureau — Visit Lubbock, the Convention & Visitors Bureau — Maid of the Mist Corporation — Norfolk CVB — NY SKYRIDE — Pottruff & Smith Insurance Brokers Inc. — Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place — Walt Disney Theatrical Productions
Click here to see the 2009 Editorial Calendar.
Correction to Story in the April Issue of Courier
Due to a production error, some of the information included in the New York City article that appears in the printed edition of the April Courier is incorrect or missing. The corrected version of the story can be accessed by going to pages 45-53 of the online version of the April issue.
The photos on two of the pages are without cutline and credit information, and there is some missing or duplicated copy at the bottom of three pages. The picture on page 46 of 21 Restaurant was provided by Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises, and the image on page 48 of the "Top Chef" opening night reception was taken by Phil Kline of NYC & Company Inc.
NTA regrets these errors and apologizes to NYC & Company Inc. and the other companies that provided information for this story.