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Keith McCord Reporting Utah is known for its tourism, of course, it's one of the state's biggest industries. So it makes sense that tour operators from all over the world are here for their annual convention.
The National Tour Association brings together tour companies every year to exchange ideas and find out what's going on in various areas. When this convention ends, Utah will benefit because these tour operators will have a firsthand look at what we have to offer.
"We have tour operators from 21 different countries this time. We have 419 tour operators from all over North America."
Ask any of them about their opinions of Utah as a tour destination and you'll hear things like:
Bob Brennan, Brennan Vacations, Seattle: "It happens to be one of our most popular tours."
Bob Hoelscher, Flemming Tours, St. Louis: "They go to a place like Arches or Canyonlands, Bryce or Zion and they can't believe it. I mean their mouth is open for eight days!"
The National Tour Association isn't here to just learn about what Utah has to offer, the annual convention gives all these tour operators a chance to rub elbows, learn about new attractions in the various states and countries. Connecticut-based Tauck Tours is here comparing notes with other operators.
David Lewey, Sr. Mgr. Operations, Tauck World Discovery: "Obviously, another big important factor is the opportunity to visit with the suppliers and to see what all is out there that might make that difference in enhancing our tour product."
Barbara Bowman is here from Grand Junction; she has many meetings planned with collegues from other states.
Barbara Bowman , Chmn. 2006 NTA Convention: "Tomorrow, for example, we'll sit down with 35 different tour operators from all over North America and talk with them about bringing tours into our destination."
But Utah will see a windfall from from all this in the years ahead. With so many tour planners here, they'll go home and pitch Utah's attractions to many of their customers, who will book their vacation time here.
This five-day convention will generate about 3-million dollars to the local economy; but the long-term effect will be significantly higher.
Barbara Bowman, Chmn. 2006 NTA Convention: "In the next three to five years this city will see a remarkable increase in tours offered to this area."
That's good news for an industry that's still very strong-- not just in Utah, but coast-to-coast.
Bob Brennan, Brennan Vacations, , Seattle: "We're riding a very nice increase, people are doing more travel, and they're doing more family travel so that's all a very positive thing."
This is the third time that the National Tour Association has held its convention in Salt Lake, more than any other city. That's a sign of respect for the tourism industry here!
