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VOICES OF LEADERSHIP Members take to the Hill to influence policy, impact travel BY DOUG RENTZ NTA WAS FOUNDED ON ADVOCACY. You can trace the association’s roots with a straight line back to a meeting in 1951, when a dozen tour operators came together to combat federal reg- ulations that would’ve crippled an industry that was just gaining traction. Together, they succeeded. Fast forward six decades, and NTA members still gather to have their voices heard regarding legislative issues. In March, travel professionals from across the United States—325 people from 42 states—met in Washington, D.C., for Destination Capitol Hill. The industry’s premier fly-in event gives attendees a chance to educate policymakers about the power of travel and showcase it as one of America’s strongest economic sectors. “National travel and tourism policies sculpt an economic impact in the United States and beyond, and advocacy at this event is important to me running my own company,” says Jay Smith, 2017 NTA chair and owner of Hatfield, Massachusetts- based Sports Travel and Tours. Prior to the 305 meetings held at the U.S. Capitol with elected officials, attendees were prepped on legislative priorities that are critical to the security and economy of the United States. NTA annually partners with U.S. Travel Association and Destination Marketing Association International on the two-day program, and this strength in numbers has a greater impact when attendees walk the halls of Congress. “I’m there to meet and work side by side with other NTA members to advocate for our industry but also to network and build relationships with other travel professionals,” says Paul Larsen of Ed-Ventures in Rochester, Minnesota. “We each carry the message that travel continues to drive the economy.” The key issues set by U.S. Travel are consistent with NTA members’ priorities, and Chase Poffenberger of D.C.-based Three Massachusetts men meet with their senator. From left: John Tavano, Yankee Leisure Group; Sen. Elizabeth Warren; John Yonce, Tourism Cares; Jay Smith, Sports Travel and Tours. Academic Travel Abroad says taking part in DCH also is con- sistent with her company’s core beliefs. “It’s important for our team to participate and lend our voices in support of the industry’s top legislative priorities,” Poffenberger says. “When we send a team up to the Hill to lobby with NTA colleagues, we get to live out a core part of our mission statement, which is to contribute meaningfully to our world, our field and our community.” Mark your calendar for March 21–22, 2018, and join us in Washington next spring at Destination Capitol Hill. A new administration is in place, and by working together, we can ensure travel will continue to be a powerful economic engine for the United States. Doug Rentz is the director of communication and marketing for NTA. 2017 NTA Legislative Priorities In a 2017 survey, NTA members identified the following priorities when asked what issues are top of mind for them this year: • National park funding • Modernizing airport infrastructure • Expanding the Visa Waiver Program • Transportation Security Administration programs • Surface transportation funding Comments from Destination Capitol Hill 2017 “Knowing your congress- person is as important as knowing your banker. Going there in person, year after year, shows the people I meet with that I’m serious about being informed. If something hap- pens that turns the world upside down, I have contacts who can help me.” —Mark Hoffmann, CTP, Sports Leisure Vacations; Sacramento, California; NTA Advocacy Advisory Group member 6 June 2017 “If you’re a bit intimidated by the thought of partici- pating, have no worries; it’s structured where any- one can do it. The legisla- tors and their aides are very respectful, take notes and really listen. If we don’t share our perspective, who will?” —Jerry Varner, Making Memories Tours; Washburn, Missouri; NTA Advocacy Advisory Group member “Because I have par- ticipated in NTA’s event and made contacts and worked those contacts, now when I need some- thing, I know who to call and they know who I am.” —Paul Nakamoto, Gray Line San Francisco; 2014 NTA Chair