1. Now and later

The National Tour Association will kick off its first of two—that’s right, two—conventions in 2017 when St. Louis welcomes Travel Exchange, Feb. 26–March 2. After several years of a first-quarter
show, NTA is moving its annual convention to fourth-quarter dates, a shift requested by members seeking a more favorable period for planning itineraries. NTA will gather again in San Antonio, Dec. 14–18, and already has named Milwaukee as the 2018 site slated for Nov. 4–8 in Brew Town.

2. My place or yours?

NTA connects tourism professionals working the North American market—inbound, outbound and within the continent. Member representation is found in all 50 states, each of the 13 Canadian provinces and territories, and more than 40 countries worldwide, which translates into a vibrant, diverse Exchange floor. 80% of NTA buyers don’t attend other national shows, so this unique audience attracts a range of tour suppliers and DMOs from over 30 countries.

3. Thanks for visiting

Anytime NTA comes to town the host city sees an average impact of over $3.6 million to the local economy. But not only
will St. Louis reap the rewards of TREX17, the rest of the Show Me State will, too. Buyer-only pre- and post-event Fam tours include Branson, Jefferson City and Route 66 highlights. And the sightseeing tours, available to all attendees, hit hotspots such as the Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri Botanical Gardens, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard and The Fabulous Fox Theatre. Delegates will enjoy sponsored evening events at the eclectic City Museum, Ballpark Village and Anheuser-Busch.

4. Get ’em while they’re hot

For every market, there’s an NTA member available to partner with you at Travel Exchange. Attendees will collaborate with market experts in St. Louis to explore and excel in these segments:

• Faith Travel Association NTA members have access to an exclusive FTA community and benefits focused on faith-travel programs and services.
• China Inbound Program By 2019, China is projected to be the third largest U.S.-inbound market with some 4.9 million visitors. NTA has 200+ registered tour operators to serve these travelers.
• Hispanic Travel Market NTA’s Hispanic Market Advisory Group assists with a strategic agenda that focuses on travel trends, research and business opportunities in this burgeoning segment.

5. Learn it. Know it. Live it.

Sure, bustling from appointment to appointment and making valuable connections are atop the to-do list, but attendees would be wise to make time for the on-site educational sessions that are focused on four tracks: 1) Sales & Marketing, 2) Business Solutions, 3) Market R&D and 4) NTA Community. Newly appointed Tourism Program Manager Donald Leadbetter of the U.S. National Park Service is on the docket, as is Chris Bashinelli, who’ll headline Monday’s Opening Ceremony. An accomplished actor and TV personality, “Bash” travels the world with his mission of bridging intercultural gaps. He’s the youngest male to moderate the UN International Day of Peace.