ANAHEIM HOSTS STRONG INTERNATIONAL POW WOW
Almost 5,000 travel industry delegates from 70 countries held an estimated 46,000 business appointments, generating billions of dollars in travel to the U.S. over the next three years. Highlights include a keynote speech by Hilton Hotels Corporation's Matthew Hart; a "Discover America" themed game show where several delegates were awarded cash prizes by American Express, and an "Ambassadors of Rock" luncheon concert featuring Toby Lightman, sponsored by Hard Rock International. Delegates also enjoyed evening entertainment at Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm and Club Anaheim as well as TIA's Foundation Sensation party with Andy Childs and the Memphis Soul All-Stars. Click here for highlights.


TIA TO INTERNATIONAL MEDIA: WE HEAR YOU
At a TIA news conference held during International Pow Wow, Geoffrey Freeman (right), Executive Director, Discover America Partnership, told the more than 300 domestic and international media "There are three things you need to know. Number one: We are aware of the problems facing international travelers to the U.S. Number two: We've heard your concerns. Number three - and this is the most important - we're doing something about it." The Discover America Partnership continues to champion legislation that will improve the visa process, enhance the entry experience and create a nationally-coordinated global promotion program.  To assist these efforts, International Pow Wow participants pledged more than $300,000 for lobbying, communications and research activities. Mr. Freeman was joined at the conference by Roger Dow (left), TIA President and CEO, and Jay Rasulo (center), TIA National Chair and Chairman, Disney Destinations.

EXPLORE NEW EMERGING MARKETS WITH TIA
Increase your presence in the international arena by participating in TIA’s Discover America international events. This year, TIA is planning exploratory trips to India and Southeast Asia, two of the hottest emerging travel markets. If you are interested in joining either of these expeditions contact Bruce Bommarito, Vice President of International Strategy. A complete schedule of all TIA international events can be found here.

TOP POLITICAL ANALYSTS JOIN TLS ROSTER
CNN commentator Paul Begala and host of MSNBC's Tucker, Tucker Carlson will participate in a point-counter-point session at this year's Travel Leadership Summit, September 26-27 in Washington, DC. Click here for more information. TLS is a series of coordinated state-led dinners and receptions with Members of Congress on a single evening that amplifies the travel industry’s voice in Washington.

NEW STUDY SHEDS LIGHT ON ONLINE METRICS FOR TRAVEL WEBSITES
Until now, the travel industry has had no reliable method to benchmark companies’ online performance against competitors, but that's about to change! Using current literature in conjunction with in-depth interviews of various travel suppliers and vendors, TIA, in association with The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Foundation, brings you the newly released Online Metrics Handbook for Travel Marketers. This study defines performance from the perspectives of eCommerce and online customers; reviews metrics used by different travel sectors; determines the formulas most indicative of performance quality; determines which metrics are comparable for online transactions or functions; and shows if it is possible to recommend a method of data collection that will convert data to a standard format for common metrics.  Click here for further information.

ESTO 2007: MARKETING TO WOMEN IN AUTHORITY
Focusing on Boomer big spenders (women age 50 -70), Marti Barletta, Author and Founder/CEO of the TrendSight Group, will discuss how to win their hearts, minds and business this August at TIA’s ESTO 2007.  Combining gender expertise, marketing experience and a lively sense of humor, Marti will deliver eye-opening, enlightening, entertaining and actionable insights.  ESTO delivers cutting edge education to the destination marketing community and unparalleled networking opportunities in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.  Join the ESTO Community this August 15 – 18 at The Phoenician in Phoenix, Arizona.
Click here to view the preliminary program and learn more about ESTO.

NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK AOL PROMOTION
There is still time to participate in the AOL® Travel - National Tourism Week (NTW) promotion. Live from May 1-20, a dedicated page for National Tourism Week, hosted on AOL Travel, is designed to engage users with features on American destinations and provide a platform to share videos and photos from users’ favorite U.S. travel sites. The page will also feature travel fun facts and consumer message boards. AOL Travel is providing support and content for the site. Over 80 tourism organizations are already participating in this promotion by integrating a special Web tile, designed by AOL and distributed by TIA, onto their Web site that links to AOL Travel’s National Tourism Week page. Click here for further details. Also, you can check out our other resources designed to help you stage a successful NTW by clicking here.

DESTINY AND MERCURY AWARDS DEADLINES EXTENDED
Since many industry professionals are just returning from TIA’s International Pow Wow, the deadlines for entering both the NCDO Desinty Awards and NCSTD Mercury Awards have been extended. Entries will now be accepted up until the close of business on Tuesday, May 8th. For further information on these programs click here.