Press Release: National Tour Association
August 20, 2002
LEXINGTON, KY -- As the anniversary of Sept. 11 approaches, the National Tour Association is pleased to report
its "Travel... the perfect freedom" initiative, created last fall to encourage consumer travel, now boasts
27 industry partners, including 13 state and provincial tourism offices.
"Travel... the perfect freedom" was launched in response to a downturn in travel due to a combination
of the events of Sept. 11 and a weakening economy. The purpose of the grassroots program was to help NTA members,
particularly tour operators, raise awareness of travel and the freedom to travel in their communities.
In addition to hundreds of NTA members promoting the message at the grassroots level, the states of North Carolina,
South Carolina, Maine, Georgia, Kentucky, West Virginia, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Iowa, Tennessee and Missouri,
along with Tourism Saskatchewan, have signed on to help endorse the message through welcome centers and other promotions.
NTA also developed radio and television public service announcements for "Travel...the perfect freedom,"
which are currently airing on more than 75 television stations in 51 markets across the country.
Video clips of the message can be viewed at www.traveltheperfectfreedom.com.
The Web site also features consumer news stories related to travel, a list of all partners and a search feature
that allows visitors to find an NTA tour operator to help them plan their next vacation.
The National Tour Association is an organization of nearly 4,000 tourism professionals representing the packaged
travel industry, which had a direct economic impact of $129 billion in North America in 2000. NTA provides unsurpassed
business opportunities, knowledge and information to businesses involved in tour operator packaged travel. NTA
also serves as a consumer advocate through membership requirements, education and a consumer protection plan. For
more information, visit www.ntaonline.com.
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Contact:
National Tour Association
Doug Wade, 800-682-8886, ext. 4201 (not for publication)
doug.wade@ntastaff.com