How to increase tourism to India was the subject of USTOA's first out-of-country meeting of the new millennium, when a group of 28 USTOA Active Members recently toured the country, to meet with tourism officials and conduct a three-hour workshop in Delhi. During the two-week visit, USTOA Members visited Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Agra.
USTOA Active Members shared their expertise with India Ministry of Tourism officials, Air India management, and executives from the country's tour operator and hotel industries. Among the issues explored were how representatives of both countries could work closer together in promoting tourism.
USTOA President Bob Whitley said, "There is a clear need to change American perceptions of India, and to promote its rich culture, excellent hotels, and fine shopping. This country has so much to see and experience, that it will fascinate any number of U.S. travelers." Whitley noted that the majority of attendees on this trip had never been to India, and they were so impressed with the country's extraordinary offerings that several members had agreed to put together packages there.
During USTOA's yearly out-of-country meeting the organization conducts workshops, participates in site inspections, and brings tour operators in contact with local suppliers. Among destinations that have benefited from the professional expertise of the association's diverse membership are South Africa, site of last year's meeting; Germany; Hong Kong; the ASEAN countries; Austria; Finland; Spain; Peru; the Netherlands; Turkey; Australia; Denmark and Canada.
For more information on USTOA contact the organization at 342 Madison
Ave., Ste. 1522, New York, NY 10173, (212) 599-6599, fax 599-6744. Or e-mail
USTOA@aol.com.
Public Relations Contact:
Linda Kundell Communications
(212) 877-2798, (212) 877-3387 fax
(For all other inquiries about USTOA, please contact USTOA.)
