The United States will host nearly 600,000 Chinese travelers by 2011, giving a much needed boost to the U.S. economy. Helping to facilitate this influx of new visitors is the National Tour Association, a trade organization of packaged travel professionals. NTA is the only organization approved by the Chinese National Tourism Administration to maintain a list of tour operators qualified to organize and conduct leisure group travel from China to the United States.
“U.S.-based tour operators as well as American destinations, hotels, restaurants and attractions will all benefit from this influx of international visitors,” said NTA President Lisa Simon, CTP. “According to the U.S. Commerce Department, Chinese travelers on average spend $6,000 per visit to the U.S. This is more than residents of any other nation. And this couldn’t come at a better time for the United States.”
Travel and tourism is one of the United States’ largest industries, employing 17 million Americans and producing $740 billion in expenditures and nearly $105 billion in tax revenues.
“The U.S. needs an influx of inbound visitors,” Simon said. “The dollar is at an all-time low, consumer confidence is weak, and the U.S. image is in jeopardy. This agreement with China is a positive step in the right direction.”
On Dec. 11, 2007, the United States and the People’s Republic of China signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate Chinese group leisure travel to the United States.
The National Tour Association is a trade organization for thousands of tourism professionals involved in the growth and development of the packaged travel industry. NTA members represent the most reliable and creative in the industry, with companies spanning 35 countries. The NTA forum is the place for industry standards and the source for growing tomorrow’s business today. Additionally, NTA’s Government Affairs works closely with Congress and the Administration to create a more positive travel experience for travelers around the globe. For customized and affordable travel packages, travelers turn to NTA.