Despite the economy, the National Tour Association (NTA) welcomed a record-setting 104 new operators to its membership this year for the fastest growth in the association’s history.

NTA now has nearly 700 members.

“NTA began seeing a rise in tour operator applications this spring despite the troubled economy,” said NTA Chairman and CEO Bob Hoelscher, CTP.

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 products 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 Mr Hoelscher.” He added:

“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.”

Report by David Wilkening

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