Agritourism Stories in the News

Here's a link to several agritourism stories currently in the news:

* Agritourism takes step forward

* Agritourism operators come together for workshop

* New agritourism mobile app to connect farmers with consumers

* Agritourism experts at 2016 conference

* Agritourism, farming and an ideal retirement

NTA COMMENDS NEW TRAVEL AMENDMENTS TO CUBA REGULATIONS

The National Tour Association commends the Obama administration for updating the Cuban Assets Control Regulations and Export Administration Regulations that, coupled with the arrangement recently announced by the departments of State and Transportation, allow U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba on an individual basis. Previously, U.S. citizens and residents could travel to Cuba only with organized groups.

"NTA is pleased with this next step toward normalizing relations with Cuba and providing U.S. citizens more freedom to travel," said Pam Inman, NTA president. "I have learned from NTA tour operators, however, that the country's tourism infrastructure is not ready for a steep increase in demand, and arranging travel to and within Cuba as an individual will be challenging."

The new regulations, which took effect March 16, authorize travel that previously required a specific license with case-by-case determination. Travel to Cuba is permitted for activities within 12 categories—each with specific criteria and conditions—including family visits, professional research or meetings, public performances and humanitarian projects. Outside of the 12 categories, the statutory prohibition on travel for tourism remains in place, as does the Cuban embargo.

The new regulations will expand Cuban nationals' access to U.S. financial institutions, and they authorize hiring and paying salaries to Cuban nationals in the U.S. consistent with appropriate visa terms. Regulations also expand the ability for individuals to purchase Cuba-origin merchandise.

For more information about authorized travel to Cuba, see the FAQ created by the U.S. Department of Treasury: 1.usa.gov/1NddEro.

Order the 2014-15 China U.S. Travel Monitor Program Report

China U.S. Travel Monitor Program

  
NTA is proud to release the 2014-15 China U.S. Travel 
Monitor Program Report!

Chinese outbound travel has been the buzzword in the world's travel and tourism industry. China is not only one of the world's fastest growing source markets, but now the largest source market in terms of both visitation amount and travel spending. For the U.S., China now ranks sixth in terms of arrivals, but second in terms of spending, making it one of the most sought-after source markets for all American destinations and service providers. To fully take advantage of this highly lucrative yet constantly changing market, it is crucial for American tourism organizations and businesses to regularly monitor how Chinese tourists view the United States as a long-haul travel destination, and for those who have visited America, how they consume American travel products and whether they are satisfied with their experiences.

NTA is honored to join forces with Temple University's School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, and a group of American destinations and companies, in continuous support of the China U.S. Travel Monitor Program. The Monitor program is an annual, ongoing research program targeting Chinese travel to the U.S. The purpose of this program is to help the American travel industry track the growth and trends of the fast-growing Chinese outbound travel market, and identify key issues in Chinese tourists' travel experiences in the U.S. The Monitor Program is led by Temple University's Dr. Xiang (Robert) Li, widely considered a world-leading expert on Chinese outbound tourism, and editor of the 2016 book "Chinese Outbound Tourism 2.0." The 2016-17 phase of the Monitor Program is expected to launch in spring 2016. 

This report is based on findings from the 2014-15 study of the Monitor Program. It represents the culmination of a 15-month, two-phase study designed to better understand the Chinese outbound travel market and its rich source of potential new leisure visitors for the U.S.

• The first phase of the project involved phone surveys of 1,300 citizens in five Chinese cities to develop a better understanding of urban Chinese citizens' general attitude toward and incidence rates of travel to the U.S.

• The second phase of the project is a "gap analysis" among 500 recent visitors to the U.S. before and after their trip to the U.S., aiming to develop a better understanding of what Chinese travelers expect for their U.S. trip, and whether they are satisfied with their experience after the trip.

NTA is proud to release the 2014-15 China U.S. Travel Monitor Program Report

NTA is proud to release the 2014-15 China U.S. Travel Monitor Program Report. We're also proud to say that as an NTA member, you'll receive a $150 discount when you order the report.

For the U.S., China now ranks second in terms of spending, making it one of the most sought-after source markets for all American destinations and service providers. To fully take advantage of this highly lucrative yet constantly changing market, it's crucial for American tourism organizations and businesses to monitor how Chinese tourists view the U.S. as a destination and how they consume American travel products.

Support this important report and put your business in front of its readers by sponsoring in the 2016-17 report. You can contact Dr. Xiang (Robert) Li at +1.215.204.8784 for more information about the report and to discuss available sponsorships.

Contact NTA if you need any assistance ordering the report.

NTA Event Calendar: U.S.-China Tourism Year 2016

The kickoff event for the U.S.-China Tourism Year 2016 was held Feb. 29 in Beijing. NTA President Pam Inman attended with industry leaders and government officials, along with hundreds of travel trade professionals from each country. The program will bring synergy for bilateral collaboration that will result in economic prosperity. NTA is playing an active role to celebrate the year and support members' business growth. We encourage you to refer to the calendar below and take part in the events.

 

NTA Event Calendar: U.S.-China Tourism Year 2016

 

March 7-13	NTA buyer delegation to Zhangjiajie, Hunan province, China
April 12-14	NTA exhibits at COTTM (China Outbound Travel & Tourism Market) in Beijing to promote NTA's China Inbound Program and approved tour operators.
April 27-May 2	NTA China Inbound Program operator Fam tour in Utah, sponsored by Utah Office of Tourism (registration closed).
May 12-17	NTA China Inbound Program operator Fam tour in South Dakota, sponsored by SD Tourism Office (registration closed).
May 26	NTA China Inbound Program operators networking event in Los Angeles. Details to be announced closer to the event.
May 27-30	NTA China Inbound Program operator Fam tour in California, sponsored by Visit California. Details to be announced closed to the event.
June	NTA's Courier magazine features tourism product of Zhangjiajie, China. Submit an entry to the edit team for consideration.
July	Release of Chinese brochure for NTA annual conference, Contact '16, held in Québec City (to be distributed in U.S., Canada and China). NTA's Courier magazine features story on NTA China Inbound Program.
Aug. 25-27	The fifth China Market Forum at Contact featuring three seminars
September	NTA China Inbound Program operator Fam tour to an Eastern state. Details to be announced closer to the event.
Sept. 20-29	NTA buyer delegation to Sichuan province, China
October	NTA annual publication, The Best of the USA, releases for distribution to 3,200 Chinese outbound travel agencies. This is an NTA China Inbound Program operator directory. NTA's Courier magazine features a China destination.
November	NTA Board mission to China NTA exhibits at CITM (China International Travel Mart) in Shanghai NTA's Courier magazine features a collection of write-ups on tourism product of Sichuan, China. Submit an entry to the edit team for consideration.
December	Release of the Chinese brochure for Travel Exchange '17 in St. Louis  NTA's Courier magazine features coverage of CITM/NTA Board mission to China and tourism products of Sichuan, China. Submit an entry to the edit team for consideration.

  

U.S.-China Tourism Year kicks off in Beijing

Click here to view original article.



U.S. President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that 2016 is the U.S.-China Tourism Year, which celebrates the recent reciprocal extension of visa validity and supports increased travel exports. The two countries will work toward expanding and shaping U.S.-China tourism, and strengthening the bond between the two peoples.

NTA President Pam Inman attended the opening ceremony in BeijingMonday. Along with Brand USA, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the China National Tourism Administration, NTA is pleased to officially launch the year-long initiative.

"We congratulate Brand USA, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the China National Tourism Administration for the launch of the U.S.-China Tourism Year," Inman said. "It was an amazing event, and NTA was proud to be part of it."

Among the guests were CNTA Chairman Li Jinzao, U.S. Ambassador to the People's Republic of China Max Baucus, Deputy Sec. of Commerce Bruce Andrews, and Chris Thompson, Brand USA. President Obama gave a video message supporting the launch and the tourism exchange between the two countries. Dr. Leroy Chiao, the American Astronaut and Commander of the International Space Station, was the master of ceremonies. Entertainment was provided by The Midtown Men (the original cast of Jersey Boys). Chef Tim Byres of The Theodore in Dallas prepared a taste of the United States for the delicious meal.