MARKET FORECASTS SHOW MIXED PICTURE FOR INBOUND TRAVEL
Global travel is forecast to grow by 4.6 percent in each of the next ten years according to statistics included in TIA’s latest Market Forecast Review reports. However, other recent editions have charted the 17 percent decline in travel to the U.S. from overseas markets despite U.S. competitive advantages such as very favorable exchange rates. Current and back issues are available to Premier and International Subscribers here. Using these and related statistics the Discover America Partnership continues to make substantial progress in Congress toward reforms that will improve the U.S. visa system, entry process, and generate a world-beating U.S. destination marketing program.

RISING GASOLINE PRICES MAY ALTER SUMMER VACATION PLANS
With a busy summer travel season predicted, a new travelhorizons™ survey co-authored by the Travel Industry Association and Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell examined the impact of escalating gasoline prices on the travel intentions of Americans. The results reveal that Americans remain upbeat about their travel plans even as the price at the pump continues to rise. They also reveal the “tipping point” for the majority of Americans is likely to be $3.50 per gallon, at which price the slight majority of travelers state they would reevaluate their summer travel plans. Click here for full release. The travelhorizons™ study will be conducted six times a year. It is designed to explore and track the effects of emerging economic, political, and social developments on the travel intentions of Americans. Data is interpreted with reference to lifestyle, demography, media habits and travel behavior. Subscriptions to all of the 6 reports are available. Also, reports may be purchased individually. For more information, click here.

DMOs: CAPTURE THE VOICE OF YOUR ONLINE VISITORS
TIA’s National Council of Destination Organizations (NCDO) and iPerceptions Inc. have held demonstrations of a Web site visitor satisfaction tracking tool for destination marketing organizations. By capturing how site visitors perceive their experience on a destination’s Web site, the ongoing monitor clearly identifies strengths and weaknesses, enabling a destination to make better informed decisions about its Web site changes and track their results. Program participants will also be able to compare their satisfaction ratings against other sites in the destination marketing community. The monitor begins in July and is currently available to TIA’s NCDO members. Click here to view a one-page summary and pricing information. Contact TIA's National Councils department for more details.

BE A WINNER WITH MEMBER REFERRALS
How can you build more unity for an industry we all love AND get a chance to fly to your dream destination? Join in TIA’s Member-Get-A-Member program. As part of our summer membership drive we are asking members for referrals. For each referral we receive, we will enter you in a special drawing for 2 round trip tickets for travel in the contiguous 48 United States exclusively on scheduled United, United Express and Ted operated flights. (Some restrictions may apply.) The more referrals provided, the better your chances of winning. We hope we can count on you to help make our industry even stronger! Click here to refer a potential member.

ESTO 2007 CONFRONTS CHANGING FACE OF MARKETING & ADVERTISING
Josh Hallett, social media consultant, Hyku LLC, specializes in answering one of the frequently asked questions in marketing and advertising today, "Have you seen this?" At ESTO 2007, Josh will asses and define the tools in today's marketplace and help delegates make informed decisions about which tools they ought to be using. Utilizing concrete examples, he will demonstrate how to effectively use customer-driven content and offer a glimpse into social media's future. Online registration for ESTO 2007 will be available soon! Join the ESTO Community in Phoenix, Arizona, August 15 — 18 at The Phoenician. Visit www.tia.org/ESTO to view the most up-to-date ESTO information.

OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN TWO NEW TOPICAL REPORTS
TIA is planning to conduct a leisure travel study that specifically targets the Hispanic/Latino community. This study will measure travel behaviors regarding transportation, lodging, travel information, reservations and leisure activities of the Hispanic/Latino market. Data will be segmented and analyzed by national origin and degree or level of assimilation into American culture. Sponsors to this study will have the opportunity to insert proprietary questions and receive specialized analysis. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Andrea Brunk at abrunk@tia.org.

The Travel Industry Association, in cooperation with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, is beginning a project that will help the U.S. travel industry capitalize on China’s rapidly increasing value as a source of inbound tourism. Over the past decade China’s economy has grown faster than any other economy in the world, producing an increasingly affluent population with the desire and resources for outbound travel. Indeed, it has been predicted that by 2020, China will generate over 100 million outbound trips annually—more than triple its current output—making it one of the most lucrative outbound travel markets worldwide. The study will provide in-depth background and analysis of the travel market, economy, and political environment in China. Your organization can join TIA in this exciting, cost-effective study. For more information, contact Traverse Burnett at 202-408-2142, or tburnett@tia.org.

TWO EXPLORATORY MISSIONS SET FOR THIS FALL
TIA has indentified two key markets as ripe for potential inbound travel to the U.S. and now is the time to act by participating in our exporatory missions. The first is India, (September 18-21), the second most populous country in the world with outbound travel expected to grow sharply by 2010. The second is the Southeast Asia market including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam (October 5-12). These exploratory missions will put you face to face with key players in the local travel industry and U.S. Embassy officials from each country. You will learn and evaluate their needs as well as your own. You will also have the opportunity to discuss your destination/product. Join us this fall and ensure your chance for a piece of the pie. To maximize the missions' effectiveness space is limited to 15 participants so sign up today.Contact Bruce Bommarito at bbommarito@tia.org for further information.

DEADLINE FOR TIA ODYSSEY AWARDS ENTRIES JUNE 22
TIA is now accepting entries for the 2007 Odyssey Awards, presented in partnership with National Geographic Traveler magazine. The awards are the premier awards program that recognizes the best in the travel and tourism industry; from marketing and advertising campaigns to public awareness programs and sustainable tourism. Deadline for entries is June 22. Click here for a list of categories and entry guidelines. Remember, if you're not in, you can't win.