The National Tour Association and the Destination Marketing Association International announced a new industry partnership today during the DMAI 94th Annual Convention in Las Vegas. Under the collaborative agreement, the two associations will work together to create enhanced educational, marketing and business opportunities for their members and have an increased presence at each other's convention.

"NTA has been focused on reaching out to sister associations as part of the association's efforts to provide value for its members by advancing the packaged travel industry," said NTA Chairman and CEO Bob Hoelscher, CTP. "Destination marketing organizations are an integral part of NTA. Bringing these two organizations together in order to find new ways of supporting each other is just one of the many steps the association is taking to make this happen. Together NTA and DMAI will help destination marketing organizations gain access to tour operator product and provide a quality visitor experience for the leisure traveler."

The agreement enables the two organizations to develop programs emphasizing leisure travel to assist DMOs in reaching this critical segment of the market. As part of the partnership, NTA and DMAI will both have a presence at each other's annual conventions and representatives from the two organizations will speak at both events.

“We’re pleased to establish a formal relationship with NTA, who has been a great supporter of the DMO industry,” said Michael D. Gehrisch, President and CEO of DMAI. “The partnership provides leisure-oriented DMOs the educational and professional resources to remain competitive, while strengthening both organizations’ commitment to excellence.”

The agreement will focus on collaboration in the areas of education and professional development. The two organizations will also consider the development of best practices on leisure sales and marketing. Additionally, NTA will be designated by DMAI as a DMAI Industry Partner and DMAI will be designated by NTA as an NTA Industry Partner.