There is no shortage of travel industry associations, many of which we are familiar with: the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA), the Travel Commerce Network Association (CCRA, formerly OSSN), the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), and the list goes on. However, one association that has been around longer than most may not be as familiar to you, and is worth taking the time to get to know.
They are the National Tour Association or NTA. To learn more at NTA we recently spoke with Morgan Maravich, the Manager of Industry and Member Engagement for NTA.
According to Maravich, NTA has been around for approximately 65 years, and they are the leading association for packaged travel. They serve professionals in the North American market—to, from, and within. They have a robust membership, with members based in all 50 states of the USA, all 13 provinces and territories of Canada, and well as 40 countries worldwide. Members represent over 500 destinations, 700 tour companies and travel agents, and 1,100 tour suppliers. I asked Maravich to explain the difference between tour suppliers and tour companies within their membership. Maravich explained that, “Tour companies are tour operators, our buyers. Tour suppliers include businesses like hotels, attractions, local sightseeing companies, receptive tour operators, restaurants, casinos, airlines, cruise companies, and more.”
Membership in NTA offers several benefits including education, collaboration, and networking, but one of their biggest benefits is Travel Exchange, one of the industry’s premier business appointment shows. This is where travel professionals come together to create itineraries, form partnerships, find solutions, and learn about the latest trends. In early 2017, Travel Exchange 2017 is being held in St. Louis and in San Antonio in the Fall.
For the St. Louis Travel Exchange (February 26 – March 2, 2017), NTA is extending the following offer to travel agents. According to Maravich, they are waiving the registration fee for non-member travel agents. The membership fee is normally $300 annually plus $49 registration for Travel Exchange. What’s the catch? Well, you need to fully participate in Travel Exchange, including one-one-one appointments with suppliers in attendance. While attending as a guest at Travel Exchange, non-member travel agents will be offered membership at $20.17 for the year! Note that this is only valid for the St. Louis show. For more information on the San Antonio show later in the year, please contact Morgan Maravich at the address below.
This is an amazing opportunity to “test drive” Travel Exchange and then join the leading association for packaged travel! For more information contact Morgan Maravich at morgan.maravich@ntastaff.com.
