Local Travel Organization Sends Message to Washington NTA Hosts Sixth Annual Grassroots Symposium

Lapeer – David Snyder, founder and president of Travel Adventures, Inc., recently met with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to discuss legislation benefiting the travel industry. The National Tour Association, a group of nearly 4,000-packaged travel professionals, hosted the meeting, held May 10-12.

"The packaged travel industry is a multi-billion dollar industry representing a significant segment of our economy," said Mr. Snyder who met with Michigan's Congressional leaders. “It was very encouraging to see that our local representatives are willing to consider our opinions on issues related to this vital industry."

The Grassroots Symposium brought NTA members and executive committee members to Capitol Hill to meet with federal leaders and urge them to support travel industry legislation. NTA members in attendance were a part of more than 50 Capitol Hill visits with members of the U.S. Congress. Additionally, NTA hosted a panel discussion titled “Hot Topics in Travel & Tourism,” with top members of organizations participating, including the American Bus Association, the Student & Youth Travel Association and the American Society of Travel Agents.

NTA members focused their conversations this year on passport regulations and border crossing/security procedures. During one hill visit, Rep. Chris Shays (R-Connecticut) said that he would support NTA efforts with the Department of Labor by sending a letter to the Secretary of Labor.

“This has been our most productive and highest attended symposium to date," NTA President Hank Phillips, CTP said. “It is a credit to our members that they gave of their time to lobby on everyone's behalf. There are many critical issues confronting the tourism industry, and our members made sure that Congress heard from them.”

Travel Adventures, Inc. located in Lapeer has served over a half million students since 1987. As a student travel provider, they offer quality travel programs for band, orchestra, choir, drama troupes, foreign language clubs and class (i.e.-eighth grade) groups.