The TIA Odyssey Awards, presented in partnership with National Geographic Traveler magazine, has been the premier awards program that recognizes the very best in the travel and tourism industry; the very best marketing and advertising programs; the top of the line in promotion and public and community service programs; and excellence in communications and building awareness of the great things that tourism and travel do and represent for the citizens of this country.

For the very first time in its history, the Odyssey Awards has opened up the competition in select categories to the global travel community. As America competes globally for international tourism, it is to everyone's benefit to stand shoulder to shoulder with what is effective and excellent worldwide.

Winning organizations will be honored at a gala awards dinner and ceremony in front of an audience of their peers during TIA's Marketing Outlook Forum.

The winning entries will be featured in a National Geographic Traveler ad, displayed throughout the Marketing Outlook Forum and showcased on the TIA website. National Geographic Traveler magazine, a consumer travel magazine reaching more than 6 million readers with each issue.

For further information contact Michael Martin at mmartin@tia.org