NTA and DMAI Team Up

Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) and the National Tour Association (NTA) have finalized a strategic partnership that will provide enhanced and dedicated education to members—starting with NTA's newly developed DMO Network.

According to NTA President Pam Inman, both associations are looking at ways to incorporate educational resources and research into their respective conventions, as well as other avenues.

"NTA has more than 500 destination members, and now DMAI will have a ready connection point with the group travel market—and our member DMOs now have an additional avenue of resources through a vetted partner," Inman said.

As one part of the new partnership, NTA is launching its DMO Network, an idea-sharing initiative that allows destination members to come together and exchange questions, share knowledge and explore new partnerships. The group will hold its first meeting at NTA's Travel Exchange in San Antonio in December, but members will reap benefits year-round.

NTA created the DMO Network in response to feedback from member DMOs. It will be modeled after the Owners Network, which Inman notes has been a valuable resource for NTA members who own tour companies.

The group is open to all NTA member DMOs who want to collaborate with others and share ideas, processes and plans on a wide variety of topics.

"The DMO Network is a marketplace where members can come together to improve their business and learn from one another's successes and struggles—both in person at Travel Exchange and throughout the year," Inman said.

Inman notes NTA's partnership with DMAI will help strengthen the DMO Network by providing additional content and support.

Written by Cassie Westrate, staff writer for Groups Today.