NTA product development trips headed to Louisiana , Iowa
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NTA product development trips headed to Louisiana , Iowa
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NTA will offer two product development trips in 2017 : One will take tour operator members to southern Louisiana in May , and another will be centered around Des Moines , Iowa , in September . These trips are designed to help operators experience a destination firsthand and to put them in touch with local partners who can help them build itineraries .
The Plantations , Southern Charm & Cajun Culture PDT goes from May 22 – 28 and will feature a range of Louisiana ’ s historical and culinary tour product . During the trip , the group will spend two days in three destinations . In New Orleans they will explore the French Quarter and the city ’ s thriving music scene ; in Lafayette they will visit cultural attractions and take a swamp tour ;
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and in New Orleans Plantation Country they will see historical mansions along the Great River Road .
The Catch Des Moines tour , which will take place Sept . 27 – 30 , will provide a look at Iowa ’ s vibrant capital city . With a focus on culinary and agritourism , the PDT will cover everything from botanical gardens and state-of-the-art research farms to craft breweries and farmers markets . Visits to Des Moines ’ urban sculpture garden and renovated railroad district also are on tap .
The cost for each is $ 175 , and interested tour operators can contact NTA ’ s Dawn Pettus at dawn . pettus @ ntastaff . com with questions about both PDTs . Additional details on the trips , including registration information , is available at ntaonline . com / events / product-development-trips .
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Louisiana street parade |
Des Moines skyline |
TODD COLEMAN , SAVEUR MAGAZINE
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS / BARBARA LN : bit . ly / 2mnUwye
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May 7 – 13 is U . S . National Travel and Tourism Week
U . S . tourism professionals will celebrate the impact their industry has on the country during National Travel and Tourism Week , which will take place May 7 – 13 .
The celebration highlights the key role the industry plays as an economic driver and job creator as well as the positive effects travel has on countless destinations , families and individuals across the country . Travel companies typically mark the week in a variety of ways , from staging local events for Travel Rally Day ( May 9 ) to media outreach campaigns , special promotional packages and consumer giveaways .
To learn more about this year ’ s event or to find out how you can get involved , go to ustravel . org / events / national-travel-and-tourism-week . The site includes
Tourism Cares will hold a work project in Detroit May 11 – 12 during National Travel and Tourism Week .
PAT HENDERSON a detailed toolkit featuring many resources and marketing ideas to help you plan your activities .
As part of its focus on City Tourism this year , Tourism Cares has scheduled its main 2017 give-back event for National Travel and Tourism Week . Hundreds of industry professionals will gather in Detroit for “ Travel ’ s Big Give ” May 11 – 12 and help with handson service projects throughout the city . Registration for the project is now open at tourismcares . org / detroit .
NTA adds new corporate and strategic partners
As part of its ongoing efforts to add value to your membership , NTA recently entered into agreements with two new corporate partners , Avis Budget and Rezgo , and one new strategic partner , Travel Professionals of Color . Here is a brief look at each of the new partners :
Avis Budget The company will offer NTA members discounts of up to 25 percent off base rates from Avis and Budget . These special rates are available on a wide selection of vehicles , from eco-friendly compacts and hybrids to luxury sedans .
Rezgo This organization brings together sightseeing tours , activities , excursions and events across the globe on one site . Rezgo works with travel brands such as Expedia , TripAdvisor and Viator .
Travel Professionals of Color Founded in 2002 , the association unifies and mobilizes its members around the globe , providing training and networking opportunities for them .
To learn more about these organizations , as well as NTA ’ s other corporate and strategic partners , visit ntaonline . com / partners .
8 April / May 2017