Inaugural Travel Exchange in Florida next January

Four companies have jumped on board with the National Tour Association (NTA) to sponsor events that will bring local flavor, entertainment, and valuable networking opportunities to the inaugural Travel Exchange, set for 20-24 January in Orlando, Florida.

Travel Exchange brings NTA and the United Motorcoach Association together for an innovative appointment and trade show that puts the full spectrum of travel buyers and sellers on the same floor. Companies and destinations that are part of Travel Exchange will have promotional and business opportunities with the event’s estimated 4,000 attendees, specifically the 1,000 tour operators and motorcoach operators.

Group Sales Box Office/Broadway.com penned a three-year sponsorship agreement with NTA on Friday. The company will, for the 20th year, bring live musical acts from Broadway to perform during the Group Sales Box Office/Broadway.com Luncheon on Monday, January 21. Three other tour suppliers have signed on as major sponsors of Travel Exchange events:

- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will sponsor and host the Icebreaker on Sunday evening, January 20. Attendees will preview the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, which doesn’t open until summer 2013.

- Norwegian Cruise Line will introduce the new NETGROUP program to tour operators during its sponsored luncheon on January 23.

- NASCAR Sports Grille will sponsor and host delegates for a party at its signature property on Universal CityWalk on Wednesday evening, January 23.

“We’re thrilled to have these companies take a leading role during Travel Exchange. We recognize and appreciate their significant investment,” said Lisa Simon, CTP, NTA President. “In return, these sponsors receive incredible exposure to a key group of tour and travel buyers. For our attendees, they’ll have spectacular events to attend and the opportunity to learn about these important sponsors.”

Jodi Danyluk, Program Manager for emerging markets at Norwegian Cruise Line, said her company is thrilled to be sponsoring a lunch with NTA at Travel Exchange. “We recognize the value of partnering with NTA tour operators and are excited to reach those who currently offer cruises—and especially those who haven’t yet,” Danyluk said, “The sponsorship will help us reach the decision-makers who can impact our bottom line.”

Along with these major sponsors, more than 50 other companies and destinations have signed on to sponsor other facets of Travel Exchange.

For more information, including a schedule of events, visit NTAonline.com , and click Travel Exchange.