LEXINGTON, KY, May 13, 2008. As part of NTA’s first green Convention, NTA will donate $1 to the Arbor Day Foundation’s National Forest Replanting project for each delegate who registers May 20 to attend the 2008 Annual Convention in Pittsburgh, Nov. 15-19.

“NTA Convention delegates have a great opportunity to help the National Forests and the planet overall just by registering on May 20,” said NTA Chairman and CEO Bob Hoelscher, CTP. “The Arbor Day Foundation says that every $1 donated will result in one tree planted. That one tree will produce nearly 260 pounds of oxygen each year and absorb carbon dioxide, which is a major contributor to global warming.”

NTA’s first green Convention, which takes place at the first and largest certified green convention center in the world, will feature a presentation by Animal Planet's Jeff Corwin. NTA also will be implementing a number of green initiatives at the Convention, as well as at NTA Headquarters.

“We want to thank the National Tour Association for its commitment to help restore our national forests,” said John Rosenow, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “These national treasures provide wood for our homes, habitat for wildlife, clean air and drinking water for millions of us. That’s why it is so vitally important for us to protect them.”

“The greening of the NTA Convention is very member-driven,” added Hoelscher. “The planet is our business and we all must protect our home so generations to come can experience it through travel. We will be incorporating ideas from our members to help reduce the impact of our event and, together we can make a difference in saving the environment that is so important to us and our industry.”

For more information on the Arbor Day Foundations’ National Forest Replanting project, visit www.arborday.org/replanting.

Registration for the 2008 NTA Annual Convention opens May 20. For more information, visit http://convention.NTAonline.com.

The National Tour Association is the preferred association in the tourism industry for packaged travel professionals. NTA's diverse membership and progressive nature make it an industry leader as the place to do business. NTA consistently seeks innovations for the services and business tools it provides to members, and the leadership keeps its fingers on the pulse of the ever-changing world. In turn, NTA members are some of the most creative in the dynamic travel industry. NTA membership represents 34 countries, and tour and travel packagers of all types, including a group, independent, student, and more. To learn more, please visit www.NTAonline.com.