Congressman Farr to Address NTA

Representative Sam Farr, D-CA., will be the keynote speaker the 2009 NTA Tour Operator Spring Meet in Monterey, CA, June 4-6. Farr has served as co-chair of the influential Congressional Travel & Tourism Caucus since 1997 and is a long-time travel industry ally.

"NTA is extremely honored to have Congressman Farr address delegates at the Spring Meet," said NTA President Lisa Simon. "His influential leadership in Congress on tourism policy has benefited our industry for more than a decade."

Farr will update delegates on travel and tourism priorities, such as the Travel Promotion Act, funding for federal lands and the Travel to Cuba Act. In addition, he will share his vision for promoting travel and tourism on Capitol Hill. Farr also will entertain questions from tour operators about the issues they are facing and how he and other elected representatives can better address their needs.

"Congressman Farr is undoubtedly our champion in Congress," added Simon. "Most recently, he worked to secure more than $2 billion in appropriations for improved National Parks and public lands. This is significant because the parks are vital to the tourism landscape, and funding their enhancement is one of NTA's top seven issues for 2009."

The NTA said that it will honor Farr with its Pioneer Award as it will Gordon Bell, an NTA member. This award honors individuals whose accomplishments have resulted in a significant change in the travel industry from which NTA and its members have benefited.

"The NTA Pioneer Award was established to honor those who have made a lasting contribution to our industry and these two men exemplify a pioneering spirit in every sense of the word," said Simon. "Each of these men have demonstrated remarkable ambition that NTA is proud to recognize."

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