NTA Plans First Green Convention

Marks Earth Day with Launch of 2008 Annual Convention Web Site

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. October 14, 2008

LEXINGTON, KY, April 23, 2008. The National Tour Association marked Earth Day with the launch of the 2008 NTA Annual Convention Web site, http://convention.NTAonline.com. The Annual Convention in Pittsburgh, Nov. 15-19, will be NTA's first green convention and will take place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the first and largest certified "green" convention center in the world.

"NTA is taking steps to lessen the negative impact all of us have on the environment. As travel professionals we have a special responsibility to preserve the world's destinations for future generations," said NTA Chairman and CEO Bob Hoelscher, CTP. "NTA is taking action to implement best practices and help our members see how they can truly make a difference."

NTA will be implementing a number of green initiatives at the Convention, as well as at NTA Headquarters. Some of the changes delegates can expect leading up to the November convention as well as onsite include:

---|-Many previously pre-printed or mailed items will now be e-mailed. NTA will reduce the use of as much paper as possible by providing the same information to our members electronically wherever possible.

---|-Badge holders will be recycled.

---|-NTA will eliminate individual event tickets and use identifiers on attendee badges instead.

---|-Seminar handouts will be posted online rather than distributed onsite.

---|-NTA will modify the airport transfers and daily shuttle service based on historical use.

---|-NTA will work with the convention center to introduce enhanced recycling opportunities.

"NTA delegates will love the David L. Lawrence Convention Center thanks to its abundance of fresh air, natural light and river views," said Joe McGrath, president and CEO of VisitPittsburgh. "And, visitors will see for themselves why Pittsburgh's reputation as a model green city is growing," he added, noting that Pittsburgh has been cited for its green building leadership in The New York Times, Fortune, and The Economist.

"Sustainable Travel International reports that 58.5 million Americans say they would pay more to use a travel company that strives to protect and preserve the environment. Today's travelers are more earth-conscious and tour and travel packagers must adapt to that," said Hoelscher. "We hope delegates will find ways to implement some of the earth-friendly ideas they see in Pittsburgh in their own businesses and travel products."

The National Tour Association is the preferred association in the tourism industry for packaged travel professionals. NTA's diverse membership and progressive nature make it an industry leader as the place to do business. NTA consistently seeks innovations for the services and business tools it provides to members, and the leadership keeps its fingers on the pulse of the ever-changing world. In turn, NTA members are some of the most creative in the dynamic travel industry. NTA membership represents 34 countries, and tour and travel packagers of all types, including a group, independent, student, and more. To learn more, please visit www.NTAonline.com.