USTOA Leadership Summit to Show Solidarity and Support for Industry
First annual USTOA/Travelers Conservation Foundation Leadership Summit set for Dominican Republic October 25-28
The first annual U.S. Tour Operators Association Travelers Conservation Foundation Leadership Summit will take place in Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic October 25-28, as a demonstration of confidence and solidarity for the travel industry, according to Bruce Beckham, TCF Executive Director.
"Time is running out to sign up as a sponsor or participant in this prestigious event, which will center around a long weekend of interactive events, business networking, fellowship and philanthropy," says Beckham.
The Summit's primary function is to raise funds for the nonprofit TCF to support its mission of restoring and protecting the world's natural, cultural and historic treasures. It is also designed to bring together travel professionals for informal discussions and networking in a tropical setting. Supplier sponsors and buyer guests are not required to be USTOA members.
Money will be raised through sponsorships, and through live
and silent auctions of donated merchandise from USTOA Active
Members and top industry suppliers.
Explains Beckham of USTOA's decision to go ahead with the Leadership
Summit, "We join our nation's leaders and citizens in grieving
the loss of so many innocent lives on the tragic day of September
11, 2001. It truly is a loss felt by most of the world.
As those in the travel industry know, many new and upgraded systems
and procedures are being implemented to reassure the public to
travel in confidence. USTOA and TCF will show by example that
we are not intimidated by the cowardly acts and that we will
not be denied our freedom to travel and assemble. USTOA and TCF
are going ahead in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic October 25-28,
2001 as planned."
Sol Meliá Hotels to Host Event, American Airlines to Provide Reduced Airfare
Hosted by Meliá Caribe Tropical, the Ultimate All-Inclusive
Resort, and Paradisus Punta Cana All-Inclusive Exclusive Beach
resort, both in Punta Cana. The Summit highlights will include
golf tournaments, one of which will be held at Sol Meliá's
18-hole, par 72, José "Pepe" Gacedo-designed
Cocotal Golf & Country Club and the other at Punta Cana Resort
and Club's new 18-hole P.B. Dye course. For non-golfers, activities
will include water sports, jeep tour, tennis and other tours.
Buyers, including Active USTOA members, as well as incentive
house, corporate event and travel distribution executives, will
be guests of the resorts. Discounted air has been arranged with
American Airlines to either Punta Cana or La Romana airports.
The weekend stay includes: accommodations for three nights, resort
amenities, all meals and beverages, the golf tournament and other
activities. Attendees do not have to participate in the golf
tournament.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Suppliers (such as sellers of media; marketing services and products; air, land, sea and destination travel components) can participate as sponsors. Several levels are available, ranging from lobby hospitality to team and hole sponsorships.
Just a few team and hole sponsorships are still available, reports Beckham.
For information on the Summit, contact The Opus Group 305- 234-1077; fax 305-234-7700; email: lisa.cherry-perks@theopusgrp.com.
More information on TCF is available through the fund's web site, www.tcfonline.org; or by contacting TCF c/o Bruce Beckham & Associates, Inc., 781-821-5990; or toll-free at 888-821-5990; fax 781-828-4319; e- mail: Beckham@aol.com.
About TCF
Formed in 1999, TCF is the charitable arm of USTOA. The foundation provides funding either through USTOA-member contributions or through philanthropic partnerships and matching grants.
In order to qualify for TCF consideration, all projects must be related to tourism. To date, TCF contributions total more than $500,000 to help fund projects including the interior renovation of the original ferry building on Ellis Island and Mesa Verde National Park Restoration Projects.
About the Host Hotels
"We are thrilled with the opportunity to host such an important group of travel industry leaders," said Emanuel Schreibmaier, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Sol Meliá's Americas Division. "We expect our partnership with USTOA and TCF for this event to be an overwhelming success."
Meliá Caribe Tropical, The Ultimate All-Inclusive Resort, is a five-star facility located on famed Bávaro Beach, Dominican Republic. The property features 11 restaurants and 1,044 rooms, all decorated in a sophisticated Caribbean style with furnished terraces. The resort also features premier conference and meeting facilities, a cigar bar and two large lagoon-style pools, surrounded by plants and flowers.
Visitors to the Meliá Caribe Tropical have exclusive access to the Cocotal Golf & Country Club. Cocotal's clubhouse was constructed in a colonial Mediterranean style and features a driving range, Nike pro shop, bar, restaurant, terrace lounge, lockers and putting green. Private golf lessons in Spanish, English and German are available through Sol Meliá's Golf Academy.
Paradisus Punta Cana Resort is an exotic, all-inclusive, 527-room resort, also on Bávaro Beach. Ultra-inclusive service allows guests to enjoy all meals and snacks, beverages, entertainment, sports facilities, services and amenities, complimentary and unlimited. The hotel also boasts eight restaurants.
Guests can learn to dive at the resort's scuba-diving school;
keep in shape at the Fitness Center and Spa (weight room, gymnasium,
sauna and Jacuzzi); take aerobics and water aerobics classes;
ride horseback and take guided ecological walks through the mangrove
forest; borrow a bicycle; or rent a car or motorcycle.
Public Relations Contact:
Linda Kundell Communications
(212) 877-2798, (212) 877-3387 fax
(For all other inquiries about USTOA, please contact USTOA.)
