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NCSTD Programs and Services

NCSTD provides the following programs and services for its members above and beyond the usual TIA membership benefits.

• Education -- A three-day educational seminar designed exclusively for state/territory tourism directors and staff is held annually at the Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO)*.
  
• Knowledge & Information-Sharing -- In addition to regular correspondence on specific interest items, members receive StateSide, a periodic e-newsletter specifically for tourism directors and their staffs. In addition, the online Resource Center, a password-protected area of TIA website, houses useful information including compilations of responses to listserv inquiries; sample organization charts, RFPs, and other documents; ESTO speaker presentations; survey data, etc.

• Publications -- The council produces several publications including:
  • The annual Survey of U.S. State & Territory Tourism Office Budgets
  • The Survey of U.S. State & Territory Tourism Office Website Practices, a bi-annual survey on how states/territories use their web sites and other technologies in their marketing efforts
  • The Survey of U.S. State & Territory Tourism Office Travel Information Center Programs, a bi-annual survey on the programs & operations of state/territory tourism office travel information centers
  •  These reports can be purchased in the Research and Publications section of the website

• 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 Endorsement recognizes hight quality state travel counselor training/certification programs
  
• Industry Relations -- Through NCSTD, state/territory tourism offices are represented on the TIA Board of Directors and have ongoing relationships with the National Governors Association, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the National Council of Destination Organizations and various federal agencies.
  
• Networking – There are plenty of excellent opportunities to meet colleagues, learn new ideas, and develop valuable contacts including:
  • ESTO
  • Volunteering for committee service
  • Five professional development section groups offering year-round networking and information sharing opportunities in the following function areas: cultural/heritage tourism, marketing/ advertising, PR, research, and travel information centers
  • Travel Counselor Training Program
    
    
    

We invite you to explore the links below for more detailed information on NCSTD:

*For more information on all TIA events, educational opportunities and award ceremonies including ESTO and the Silent Auction - please visit the Events and Meetings section of the website via the navigation at the top of the page.