• TIA & TBR Urge DHS to Alter January 31 Roll-Out Plan
• Does the Economic News Have You Spinning?
• Kissimmee Cup Builds Lasting Relationships at International Pow Wow
• DiscoverAmerica.com Announces Small World Publications as Exclusive Advertising Sales Organization
• Submit Nominations for the 2008 Hall of Leaders
• TIA Board Welcomes New At-Large Directors

TIA & TBR URGE THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
TO ALTER JANUARY 31 ROLL-OUT PLAN
Reiterating their support for Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative but citing concerns about insufficient communications and upcoming document reforms, the travel community called on the Department of Homeland Security to modify its proposed interim procedures scheduled to start on January 31.  To view TIA's statement, click here. To learn about the potential economic impact of the reforms, click here.

TRAVEL PROMOTION ACT: TIA welcomed the recommendation by the Secure Borders and Open Doors Advisory Committee that the U.S. should launch an international promotion campaign to better communicate U.S. travel policies and attract more international visitors.  They identified poor communication as one of the leading causes of the 17 percent decline in overseas visitation to the U.S. since September 11, 2001.  Click here for the full statement.

CAMPAIGN 2008 : The U.S. Conference of Mayors announced that they would pursue opportunities with the travel community to insert travel and tourism issues into the 2008 presidential candidates' platforms and hold a forum with presidential candidates on travel and tourism this spring. Click here to view the press release.

DOES THE ECONOMIC NEWS HAVE YOU SPINNING?
Are you aware that in the current economy eCommerce has stalled out?  Learn how to successfully navigate these uncharted waters from some of industry's biggest names including Henry Harteveldt, Vice President and Principal Analyst, Forrester Research, at TIA’s TravelCom’08, April 8-10, at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago. Join your travel eCommerce peers for sessions on the best practices and latest trends, plus predictions for the future direction of travel eCommerce. For more information click here.

KISSIMMEE CUP BUILDS LASTING RELATIONSHIPS
AT INTERNATIONAL POW WOW
Registration is now open for the third exciting installment of the Kissimmee Cup at International Pow Wow. Connect with buyers in a fun, yet competitive environment at the Reflection Bay Golf Club in Lake Las Vegas on June 1. New this year is the competition’s “Sunshine State” division for individuals who want to build lasting business relationships, but don’t fit the preferred supplier-buyer team composition.

The Kissimmee Cup, sponsored by the Kissimmee Convention & Visitors Bureau, helps the TIA Foundation’s research and scholarship goals. Don’t miss one of the most talked about events at Pow Wow. For more information, to register a team or for sponsorships, visit www.FloridaKiss.com/KissimmeeCup.

DISCOVERAMERICA.COM ANNOUNCES SMALL WORLD PUBLICATIONS
AS EXCLUSIVE ADVERTISING SALES ORGANIZATION
TIA signed an agreement with Bellevue, Washington-based Small World Publications to become the exclusive advertising sales organization for DiscoverAmerica.com. DiscoverAmerica.com is being developed under a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Commerce and will serve as the first ever official travel and tourism website of the United States targeting international travelers from 5 key markets. To view the release, click here.

SUBMIT NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2008 HALL OF LEADERS
TIA is now accepting nominations for the Hall of Leaders. TIA's Hall of Leaders is the single highest honor a travel industry leader can achieve, signifying long-term committment and service to the travel and tourism industry. Nominees are considered by a committee of their peers and are honored during the Travel Industry National Awards Gala, held every October in conjunction with TIA's Marketing Outlook Forum. Click here to download the nomination form.

TIA BOARD WELCOMES NEW AT-LARGE DIRECTORS
On December 18, 2007, the following new At-Large directors were elected to serve two year terms on the TIA Board: Robin Carson, Busch Properties/Kingsmill Resort; Brooke Christian, Translations.com; Greg Hogue, Acxiom Corp.; Terry MacRae, Hornblower Cruises & Events; Rosemary McCormick, Shop America Alliance; Ron Peck, Alaska Travel Industry Association; Lisa Simon, National Tour Association; and Chris Soder, Priceline.com.