The National Tour Association and the Indian Association of Tour Operators are proud to announce their new strategic partnership. On Sept. 3, 2009, NTA President Lisa Simon, CTP, and Vijay Thakur, president of the IATO, signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the 25th Annual IATO Convention in Bengaluru, Karnataka, making IATO the newest strategic partner of NTA. Simon spoke to the delegation in attendance, explaining the new relationship and how it will bring value to both memberships.

The signing of the MOU begins a partnership between the two travel organizations that will help to facilitate business between the associations’ members. Both IATO and NTA members service inbound and outbound travel, making this partnership broadly advantageous.

The Indian Association of Tour Operators, established in 1982, is India’s national body of the tourism industry. It has more than 1,100 members covering all segments of the travel and tourism industry.

The National Tour Association is the preferred association in the tourism industry for packaged travel professionals. NTA strives to provide value for its members by advancing the packaged travel industry through its advocacy efforts and progressive leadership. Connecting its members through business development, government relations, professional development and research, NTA has remained committed to serving its members with integrity and quality service since its founding in 1951. Today, the NTA membership represents 40 countries, and includes tour and travel packagers of all types.