The Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) Board of Directors formally endorsed the…
The Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) Board of Directors formally endorsed the International Association of Convention and Visitor Bureau`s (IACVB) Performance Reporting Initiative at their February board meeting. This initiative was developed to provide tools for CVBs to articulate their value to their communities through uniform performance reporting.
TTRA is pleased to support IACVB`s initiative, which advocates standard definitions and tracking measures for the industry, stated Scott Meis, TTRA President. For decades tourism destinations have struggled with the best method of performance reporting. After careful review by the TTRA Board of Directors, we have chosen to endorse the concept and philosophy of standardization as set forth in this initiative. We are pleased to be the first non-CVB association to endorse this innovative program.
Through an extensive strategic planning process, TTRA`s membership helped to outline five major strategic initiatives, said Dan Erkkila, TTRA Vice President. Collectively we decided that advocacy should be one of our priorities, including encouraging and supporting standards that can affect the conduct of research on tourism. Our advocacy initiative also includes establishing strategic alliances with those organizations that advocate or establish industry standards; we enthusiastically welcome this association with IACVB.
We are pleased that TTRA, the leading organization of travel and tourism researchers, has recognized IACVB`s long term commitment toward accountability and transparency standards for destination marketing organizations, said Melvin Tennant, IACVB Board of Directors Chairman and Executive Director of San Antonio CVB. This on-going initiative will provide a level of uniformity in our industry, and will increase the respect and mutual understanding that our members seek as partners in their communities.
Eight state and regional CVB associations, representing 26 states, have also endorsed IACVB`s Performance Reporting Intiative, including Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia, as well as the New England Society of CVBs and the Western Association of CVBs.
The handbook, Recommended Standard CVB Performance Reporting: A Handbook for CVBs, is available free of charge on the IACVB web site. IACVB`s Performance Measurement Team, a group of CVB professionals and industry consultants, continues to work on additional reporting standards for the areas of membership and visitor services. This effort will further assist destinations as they establish business-oriented practices and procedures.
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