A MESSAGE FROM ROGER DOW TO TIA MEMBERS
Our industry is at risk. Here's what we can do about it together through our united and amplified voice. I look forward to working with you to achieve our collective goals and thank for your continued support.

TIA AND TBR ANNOUNCE INTENT TO COMBINE FORCES
Efforts to unify the travel industry to create an even stronger voice with policymakers took a step forward recently when TIA, the Travel Business Roundtable and the Discover America Partnership announced their intentions to become a single organization in 2009. The three organizations cited emerging new threats that could exacerbate an already challenging operating environment, including: diminished travel due to a troublesome TSA process and an antiquated air traffic system; bad tax policies that redirect funds away from industry facilities and marketing efforts; and burdensome new environmental regulations modeled off policies adopted in Europe. By combining the efforts of the three organizations, we will better be able to counter these headwinds and develop an aggressive, proactive public affairs effort that articulates the positive role the industry can play, and the importance of positioning ourselves to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. For further information, click here.

DYNAMIC YEAR FOR TRAVEL INDUSTRY LEGISLATION
2007 is proving to be a break-through year for travel-related legislation, with the approval already of an expanded and strengthened Visa Waiver Program and expansion of the Model Ports program, along with other visa and entry reforms moving their way through Congress.  In addition, the Travel Promotion Act of 2007 — legislation that will provide up to $200 million to promote America to travelers from other countries — now has 133 sponsors in the House and 30 in the Senate. We need your continued outreach to gain more sponsors for the bill. Click here to view the Travel Promotion Act and for a list of Congressional sponsors. For a summary of travel industry legislative initiatives in 2007, click here.

REGISTER NOW FOR TRAVELCOM 08 AND SAVE
Registration is open for TIA’s TravelCom 08 to be held in Chicago, April 8-10, 2008. TIA members receive a special rate of $995 through December 31, 2007. That’s a $300 savings off the regular registration rate and $600 savings off the onsite fee. Registrants will receive a confirmation e-mail, which will provide the only access to reserving a room in the official room block. So don’t wait and miss the event or your room. Register today at www.tia.org/travelcomreg. Stay tuned to the next eNewsline for the remaining top ten reasons to attend TravelCom 08.