TRAVEL PROMOTION ACT CONTINUES TO GARNER SUPPORT
Travel industry efforts to urge Congressional leaders to pass legislation that will provide up to $200 million to promote America to travelers from other countries are paying major dividends.  The Travel Promotion Act now has 101 sponsors in the House and 24 in the Senate. Your help in continuing to sign up co-sponsors is needed. Click here to view the Travel Promotion Act and for a list of Congressional sponsors.
 

AMERICAN TRAVELERS TURNING GREEN, BUT NOT AT ANY COST
More than half of all U.S. adults say they would be more likely to select an airline, rental car or hotel that uses more environmentally friendly products and processes, according to the results of the latest travelhorizons™ survey by the Travel Industry Association and Ypartnership. But while more than half of U.S. adults may be advocates of environmental responsibility, only 14 percent of respondents said their actual selection of a travel service supplier would be influenced by that supplier’s efforts to preserve and protect the environment. Just 13 percent would be willing to pay higher rates or fares to use suppliers who demonstrate environmental responsibility (although fully 56 percent said they might). “The results of the survey suggest that awareness of a travel service supplier’s efforts to operate in an environmentally responsible manner may be sufficient to attract additional patronage, but not at a significantly higher fare or rate,” according to Suzanne Cook, TIA’s Senior Vice President of Research. For more information click here.

ONE BOOTH LEFT IN DISCOVER AMERICA PAVILION AT WTM
This year again, the U.S. presence at World Travel Market (WTM), November 12-15 in London, is very strong. With more than 200 exhibitors, the Discover America Pavilion is almost sold out! However, there is still one booth open and it’s being offered to TIA members. To participate, submit the WTM 2007 Application Form. WTM is the U.K.’s – and one of the world’s - premier international event for the travel industry, with 22,500 travel & tourism professionals attending, more than half of whom are qualified international travel industry buyers. In addition, WTM is covered annually by over 3,000 members of the international press. We look forward to seeing you in London!

2008 MARKETING OUTLOOK FORUM SOLD OUT!
It’s official! This year’s Marketing Outlook Forum is breaking all records. With more than 600 travel industry marketing and research leaders registered to attend, the conference is now sold out. Two full days of the latest trends and forecasts for the industry, plus speakers who are among the industry's top marketing and research thought leaders, are the "Forum"ula for success. This year’s Opening Event at the Lowes Speedway promises thrills for 10 lucky attendees who get to "ride-along" with a professional driver. Winners have already been notified. Also, don’t forget TIA’s National Gala Awards in partnership with National Geographic Traveler. All attendees are invited to honor the best in the industry. Click here for a list of winners.

DESTINATION UNKNOWN: PREDICTING TOMORROW’S TRAVEL ENVIRONMENT
Mark your calendars now to be sure that your destination is Chicago on April 8-10, 2008 to attend TIA’s TravelCom 08. Be among 700 of travel leaders who will convene for two full days to discuss and learn the latest in progressive thinking, best practices, travel trends and analysis, superior social networking and the most recent advancements in e-commerce travel. Featured speakers include Henry Harteveldt, Vice President and Principal Analyst, Forrester Research; Patrick Lafferty, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Travel Channel; Michele Peluso, President and CEO, Travelocity; Mike Stacey, CEO, Groople; and Arnie Weissmann, Editor in Chief, Travel Weekly. TIA members will receive an early bird registration rate of $995. Registration opens in early November. Bookmark www.tia.org/TravelCom. For information on sponsoring, exhibiting or advertising at TravelCom, click here.

DON’T LET FLU PUT BE A DETOUR THIS WINTER
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is strongly urging travelers and commuters to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others from flu this season. With one in five Americans getting influenza or the “flu” each year, frequent flyers and commuters have to be especially careful to stay healthy and flu-free. Timing for flu vaccination is critical, as the flu typically peaks in January or later. It takes about two weeks to build immunity to the flu after vaccination. That’s why vaccination is encouraged as soon as vaccine becomes available in your community. Go to www.cdc.gov/flu to learn more.