NTA Announces New Customized Convention Format

The National Tour Association (NTA) will introduce a new customized convention format at its 2009 NTA Annual Convention in Reno, NV, November 14-18. The format will allow delegates to customize their convention experience to meet their business needs in a more affordable way. Adapting the signature Tour & Travel Exchange model, the new format is streamlined to address members’ product development needs.

“The Tour and & Travel Exchange, once called the Wall Street of the travel industry, has served NTA members well for many years,” said NTA Chairman and CEO Michele Michalewicz,  “In order to keep pace with the changing needs of our members, with the help of member input and various committee work, the new NTA Convention offers the best of both worlds—enhancements to improve product development with the familiarity of the Tour & Travel Exchange.”

Also new this year, the 2009 NTA Convention will be held in conjunction with the World Religious Travel Association’s World Religious Travel Expo, giving NTA members access to hundreds of buyers and sellers of faith-based product from around the world.

In addition to giving members the option to attend for fewer days, NTA has taken additional steps to make the convention more affordable. NTA and its Reno hotel partners are offering hotel rates as low as $54 per night for tour operators and $58 for tour suppliers and DMOs. For the first time, NTA also will be offering an Early Bird rate to tour suppliers and DMOs in addition to tour operators.

“This Convention format is streamlined, affordable and effective,” said Michalewicz. “Members can get business done in fewer days out of the office if they chose, while making a sound investment in their business development needs. That’s what I call working smarter. In addition, tour operators will appreciate the ability to shop destinations by region, resulting in more business for all sellers at the convention.”

Visit www.NTAonline.com.