NTA Tour Operator Membership Reaches All-time High

NTA welcomes more than 100 new tour operators during first half of 2008

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. October 14, 2008

LEXINGTON, KY, July 9, 2008. NTA has welcomed a record-setting 104 new tour operators into its membership in 2008, bringing NTA's total tour operator membership to nearly 700. This out-paces growth for all of the association's history.

"NTA began seeing a rise in tour operator applications this spring despite the troubled economy," said NTA Chairman and CEO Bob Hoelscher, CTP. "Companies look to associations to offer assistance in dealing with the challenges of running a business and NTA gives them the tools and connections to help them succeed in today's marketplace."

New NTA programs such as the China Inbound Program, as well as proven programs and services including tour operator partnering at the NTA Annual Convention, continue to attract the industry's leading professionals. Also, innovative approaches such as the Destination Pavilion, introduced last year at the Annual Convention, give tour operators access to diverse tour product and allow them to do business in ways no other associations offer.

In November of last year, NTA outlined its core purpose through a new strategic plan. The association established its core purpose as: NTA exists to provide maximum value for its members by advancing the packaged travel industry within the global business environment.

"NTA's programs and services, as well as its vast network of quality business partners, are fulfilling NTA's core purpose and are being recognized in the industry, bringing even more reliable travel professionals into the NTA membership," said Hoelscher. "The unprecedented growth is good for new members and long-time NTA colleagues. This increase in new travel buyers means more business opportunities for all NTA members and the association expects these numbers to continue to grow throughout the remainder of the year and beyond."

NTA tour operators are the primary decision-makers who plan all components of packaged travel. Averaging 23 years in the industry, these professionals represent all segments of the industry, from the group market to independent travelers, domestic to international, student to seniors. NTA membership also includes tour suppliers, such as motorcoach operators, hotels, restaurants and attractions and destinations.

Travel professionals interested in NTA membership should contact NTA Director of Membership Development Chris Horsley at [email protected].

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.