>State Tourism Directors >Programs & Services

The mission of the NCSTD is to leverage the collective strength of state tourism offices to influence public policy, and to provide leadership and the forum for information sharing and education on issues impacting tourism.

NCSTD Programs and Services

NCSTD functions as a Council within the framework of the Travel Industry Association.  The primary focus is to represent state tourism directors and their offices.  NCSTD provides specific programs and services targeted to the state tourism directors that are in addition to their usual TIA membership benefits.

Communications - NCSTD utilizes StateSide, a monthly e newsletter, as a key tool to communicate with the states regularly.   The state offices also communicate and network through five professional development section  offering year-round face-to face networking and information sharing opportunities through listservs in the following function areas:  marketing/advertising, PR, research, travel information centers, and travel trade.

Educational Programs – NCSTD provides three educational seminars each year specifically designed for the state tourism officer and staff.  In spring, NCSTD holds the Spring Forum.  This Forum is designed to have state officers interact with TIA staff and layout a general blueprint for relevant activities to promote state tourism and travel as well address issues facing the entire travel and tourism industry.

The Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations  is an annual three-day educational seminar designed exclusively for state/territory tourism directors and staff. ESTO's mission is to provide cutting-edge education and networking opportunities in an inspired, energized, interactive format. This event is held each in August.

In the fall of the year, NCSTD shares a portion of the program at Marketing Outlook Forum.  This event is attended by travel industry professionals from all sectors to gain the vital market intelligence and insight needed to succeed in the ever evolving marketplace.

Recognition -- The Mercury Awards, State Tourism Director of the Year Award, and Trotter Special Service Award recognize excellence in marketing, promotion and individual leadership. In addition, the Travel Counselor Training Program recognizes hight quality state travel counselor training/ certification programs.

Resources -- NCSTD maintains the NCSTD Resource Center which houses general NCSTD information, research, publications, state operations info, copies of Stateside,  and other relevant information to state's activities.  This is a password-protected area of the TIA website, which serves as a clearinghouse for all information affecting states and or the entire travel and tourism industry .

For more information on NCSTD Programs and Services email ncstd@tia.org.