Theres no charge

LAS VEGAS NTA, formerly the National Tour Association, is inviting members of the United Motorcoach Association to attend NTAs 2011 Convention, Dec. 5-9, in Las Vegas.

"This is an important opportunity for UMA members to connect with NTA members and see what the NTA Convention offers before the jointly-located UMA-NTA show in 2013," said Maggie Masterson, UMA meetings and operations manager.

UMA members can attend the NTA convention as a guest at no change.

"Youll experience NTA, build new contacts in the travel industry and take advantage of the networking opportunities at convention events," said Masterson.

To register, download a registration form found at http://www.ntaonline.com/includes/media/docs/2011-UMA-Member-Registration--Housing-Form.pdf.

Those attending the convention can choose the programs theyd like to participate in on the registration form.

"NTA brings together the people, the products and the markets that build and expand the North American travel industry," said Masterson. "UMA and its members are part of that equation."

For more information about the NTA convention, go to www.NTAonline.com/Convention.

Faith-based tourism forum

LAS VEGAS -- Faith-based tourism will be an important focus at the 2011 NTA Convention here, highlighted by the associations first-ever Faith-based Tourism Leaders Forum on Dec. 7.

"This forum will bring together experienced leaders who can identify trends within the market," said Lisa Simon, CTP, NTA president. "For example, is it certain destinations that people of faith want to reach? Or, is it that people of faith just like to travel together? Its probably both but well look for those trends, interests and challenges that define the market."

Earlier this year, NTA formed its Faith-based Tourism Advisory Council to help expand business opportunities for members, and thats also the goal of the forum, according to Malia Asfour, a member of the council.

"Were using the forum to create a network of faith-based tourism professionals who can provide ongoing guidance for NTA members," said Asfour, director of the Jordan Tourism Board North America. "That way, a community of professionals within NTA can work together year-round to overcome challenges and develop solutions."

"We expect a lively dialogue at this event," said Simon. "Each participant will walk away with useful information and practical ideas, and theyll be part of a new peer network."