The National Tour Association is inviting professional travel buyers to participate in a one-day Buyer-to-Buyer Exchange at the 2008 Annual Convention in Pittsburgh, Nov. 15–19. For the second consecutive year, the association is welcoming travel buyers such as travel agents, bank and educational travel planners to participate in an appointment session with NTA tour operators, giving them access to the unique tour product offered by NTA travel packagers.

“NTA is pleased to offer the travel buyer program again this year,” said NTA Chairman and CEO Bob Hoelscher, CTP. “Based on constantly evolving business dynamics, the association recognizes the importance of connecting travel buyers and tour operators to forge new relationships and spur product development. Through programs such as this, NTA continues to prove itself as the only viable forum for developing the most beneficial business environment for members and all travel professionals.”

Again this year, participants can take part in the Buyer-to-Buyer Exchange, a prescheduled business appointment session that allows participants to both buy and sell from each other. Additionally, they are invited to attend the Saturday Luncheon, the NTA Destination Pavilion, the popular Wine and Cheese Reception, and the Best Western International Tour Operator Dinner.

As part of the one-day program, professional travel buyers will connect with qualified NTA tour operators who offer creative and customized product ideas. NTA tour operators have been in business an average of 23 years and are among the most distinguished and diverse in the industry. They offer a mix of package types ranging from group to FIT and their tours cater to nearly every demographic from student to seniors.

Additionally, participants can get more ideas from the various destinations that NTA brings together at the Destination Pavilion. The Destination Pavilion, also launched last year, groups DMOs and their supplier partners by geographic region and offers travel buyers a place to discover new product ideas regionally. Because NTA has members in 34 countries, the Destination Pavilion showcases North American as well as international destinations.