Tuesday Newsletter – Nov. 3, 2009
November 3, 2009
Volume 29, Issue 44
Tuesday’s title sponsor is Ripley’s New York
Interested in advertising in Tuesday? E-mail Kelley Burchell at kelley.burchell@NTAstaff.com.
TODAY’S ARTICLES
Last Minute Reminders for Reno
Spending Habits of the Affluent Market
These NTA Tour Companies Tracked… and Won!
NTA Tour Operator Membership Continues to Grow
Online Voting for NTA Board Ends Nov. 9
Meetings2Go Offers New Mobile Tool in Reno
Bill Watch: Small Business Financing and Investment Act
Tourism Rocks!
Thank You to Convention ’09 Sponsors
What’s New in Travel News
Call for Questions
Editorial Features Included in the Trip Planner for Student Travel
Last Minute Reminders for Reno 
Can you believe that in 10 days we’ll all be in Reno for Convention ’09? Here are a few last-minute reminders as you’re preparing for a great week of business.
- Direct Request Appointment Scheduling-add appointments to your schedule before you leave your office. Log on now and start adding to your schedule. And, don’t forget to log on and see who’s looking to add you to their schedule too!
- New Format Webinars-did you hear that things will be a little different in Reno as far as the Convention format? There are two Webinars that you can listen to online to refresh you on everything to expect when you arrive.
- Working the floor-with the new Destination Pavilion, it’s important that suppliers and DMOs work together to ensure you make the most of your time on the floor. And, DMOs don’t forget, no displays in the Destination Pavilion. Just the usual profile form and business cards!
- Airport Transportation-don’t forget that you’ll be using the hotel shuttles for transportation upon arrival in Reno. Here’s more information on transportation to and from the airport.
- Volunteer-there’s always room for volunteers! Now that you know your Convention appointment schedule, sign up and volunteer in Reno.
- Attire-Saturday is sightseeing and casual day. The rest of the week is business attire, unless otherwise specified in your program (such as the Gala Winner and Dance, which is formal or semi-formal). And, don’t forget to bring your bell bottom jeans and tie dye shirt for Return to Woodstock on Tuesday night!
- Discount-Stop by NTA Central and visit with one of our account executives to redeem your advertising savings coupon. Suppliers and DMOS can click here and tour operators can click here to see how you can save!
To read about Convention events and reminders in-depth, please see the Convention edition of Tuesday.
As always, any questions can be directed to your Member Services staff. We look forward to seeing you in Reno!
Spending Habits of the Affluent Market
Did you know that research has been done on the affluent market (those with household incomes of $100,000 and more) that segments the category based on their spending habits? The groups have been divided into four psychographic categories called Affluent Globalists, Affluent Individualists, Affluent Stylesetters and Affluent Traditionalists.
This research on the affluent market and more can be found in the October issue of The Trend which was e-mailed out to subscribers last week. The Trend is affordable too. For only US$10 a month (US$120 for the year), you will have access to information that can help you grow your business, better understand your customers’ needs, target new customers and much more. Don’t worry that you’ve missed a few issues. Subscribers will receive a link each month to archives of The Trend so you won’t skip a beat. To subscribe, e-mail NTA Vice President of Marketing Lisa Thompson today.
These NTA Tour Companies Tracked… and Won!
Thanks to everyone who used NTA’s ROI/Tracking System over the past few months. The information you’re sending to your DMO colleagues is helping to ensure that they are around to continue their great work for you.
The following operators have won a front-row seat to the Theatre Direct/Broadway.com/groups Luncheon at Convention ’09 for their efforts:
- David Bishop—Kincaid Coach Lines Inc.
- Julie Burton—Western Leisure Inc.
- Pam Corderman—Star Destinations Inc.
- Kevin Murphy—Sports Leisure Vacations
- Dawn Rueckl—Wells Gray Tours Ltd.
- Jay Smith—Sports Travel and Tours
- Shelley Thiessen—Sun Fun Tours Ltd.
- Patricia Tolle—Witte Travel & Tours
But, tracking doesn’t stop with this contest and it isn’t limited to operators either. Suppliers—if you have information that you’d like to share with your DMO about a group that is in town, you can use the system too. It’s easy! Use this How To document to walk you through the system. Now, more than ever, your DMO partners need this information. Let’s keep it coming!
NTA Tour Operator Membership Continues to Grow
In a challenging economy where you hear that association membership is down and conference attendance is suffering, NTA has experienced growth in its tour operator membership for the second consecutive year. That growth translates into added opportunity to network and grow your business for all NTA members.
The two years of operator growth will be felt at Convention ’09 in Reno. With 400 NTA buyers, plus an additional 200 buyers estimated to be on hand with the co-located World Religious Travel Expo, there’s more opportunity to do business than ever before. The number of NTA buyers at the Convention for 2009 exceed 2008’s numbers… and in this economy too!
As we head toward 2010, NTA thanks each and every one of you for your continued support of the association. We look forward to seeing many of you in Reno and to our continued collaboration in growing the association, and your business, in the new year.
Outline Voting for Board of Directors Ends Nov. 9
Online voting for the 2010 NTA Board of Directors election ends on Nov. 9. A reminder will be sent out on Nov. 5 to all members who have not voted as of that date.
Convention attendees will still have the opportunity to vote in Reno at their respective category Talk Times and Elections.
Meetings2Go Offers New Mobile Tool in Reno
The Small Business Financing and Investment Act, H.R. 3854, was introduced by Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR) on Oct. 20 to the House of Representatives. The legislation will, among other provisions, allow the Small Business Administration (SBA) to underwrite, close and fund loans in certain circumstances. These measures will allow small businesses to have greater access to direct lending by the SBA and shorten the loan approval process.
NTA will keep you updated on this legislation of importance to small businesses.
Bill Watch: Small Business Financing and Investment Act
The Small Business Financing and Investment Act, H.R. 3854, was introduced by Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR) on Oct. 20 to the House of Representatives. The legislation will, among other provisions, allow the Small Business Administration (SBA) to underwrite, close and fund loans in certain circumstances. These measures will allow small businesses to have greater access to direct lending by the SBA and shorten the loan approval process.
NTA will keep you updated on this legislation of importance to small businesses.
Put on your dancing shoes for this year’s Tourism Rocks dance party! Sponsored by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Nevada Commission on Tourism and Hard Rock International, Tourism Rocks is a night of fun and a great way to meet new people. The party will be Monday, Nov. 16, from 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. at a European-inspired nightclub called 210 North, located in the heart of downtown Reno. It’s unlike any other setting in northern Nevada with entertainment provided by The Cheeseballs–one of San Francisco’s most popular show bands.
Tour operators can pick up their complimentary tickets at the Nevada, Las Vegas or Hard Rock booths. Suppliers and DMOs can buy tickets for US$40 at the Tourism Cares booth on the Convention floor or they can be purchased at the door for US$50. All donations will help to further the mission of Tourism Cares, NTA’s official philanthropy.
Thank You to Convention ’09 Sponsors
NTA would like to thank the Convention ‘09 sponsors. Without them, this Convention wouldn’t be possible or as enjoyable and entertaining as it’s going to be! To learn about NTA’s generous sponsors who will be joining you in Reno, click here.
If you’d like to learn more about sponsoring, contact Karla DiNardo, at 800.682.8886, ext. 4232 (U.S. and Canada) or +1.859.226.4232 or check out the Sponsorship Guide for additional information.
Here’s a look at recent research, statistics and news that may apply to you and your business:
- The U.S. Department of Commerce projects international travel to the United States to regain its footing by 2010 following its first forecasted year of decline (2009) since 2003. Click here to see more on this study.
- The International Tour Management Institute (ITMI), America’s premier training program for tour directors and guides since 1976, has just certified its first group of professional Chinese tour directors. Working closely with NTA approved China inbound tour operators, ITMI intends to offer an ongoing series of Chinese Tour Director Certification programs to meet the demand for highly qualified tour directors within the exciting Chinese leisure travel market. Click here to find out more about ITMI and its work.
- Affluent Americans are less likely to cruise than usual, according to a survey by the American Affluent Research Center. Click here to see the full release.
The links in this article are not continually monitored by NTA staff. Any bad links, expired pages, etc. are due to the constantly changing nature of Web sites.
Speakers and panelists for three Convention ’09 seminars encourage you to send questions in advance. This information will help them prepare for their sessions, and they will consider all submitted questions for the Q&A portion of the seminars. The sessions are:
- All Welcome! A Look at the Global Gay and Lesbian Market (Sunday, Nov. 15; 2-3:15 p.m.)
- Ask the Operator for Suppliers (Sunday, Nov. 15; 2-3:15 p.m.)
- Ask the Operator for DMOs (Tuesday, Nov. 17; 10:15-11:30 a.m.)
If you have questions for any of the following seminars, please submit them to NTA Vice President of Communications Catherine Prather. Click here for a complete list of the seminars offered in Reno, Nevada.
Editorial Features Included in the Trip Planner for Student Travel
The Trip Planner for student travel is scheduled to publish in February 2010. It will offer your company a great opportunity to have your product/destination/service in front of 20,000 student travel planners as well as NTA tour operators.
New this year is a DMO-focused section highlighting a number of North American and international destinations and their offerings for the student market. Feature articles will cover student-oriented product in museums, theaters, zoos and aquariums, and destinations, attractions and services that are part of historical trails (Civil War, civil rights, Colonial America, Revolutionary War, music heritage, etc.). Restaurants will also be covered.
Nearly 13,000 of these travel planners are band and orchestra directors in middle schools, high schools and selected colleges. More than 5,000 are members of the National Association for Music Educators. Additionally, 5,000 history and science educators of all levels in the United States and Canada will receive this publication. NTA-member readers include more than 700 tour operators, who collectively are moving nearly 12 million people each year. Sixty-two percent of NTA members serve the student market in some capacity, representing 3 million youth travelers served annually.
The deadline has been extended until November 25th to reserve space. Materials will be due by December 1st. Tour operators can choose to promote their company directly to this market by purchasing a listing for only $250 (includes color logo, 75 words of text and contact information). Suppliers and DMOs can take advantage of display advertising opportunities ranging from a 1/6 page to a Full page.
Don’t miss this last chance to reach this key audience. Contact us at 800.682.8886, ext. 4241 or 859.226.4241 for more information or to reserve your space.