The National Tour Association (NTA) has found a sweet home for Travel Exchange in 2024, and it’s in Alabama. NTA’s annual conference that includes business appointments, education, and community-building fun will be in Huntsville, Alabama, Nov. 17-20, 2024.
“Part of what keeps Travel Exchange fresh and enjoyable is exploring new cities, and Huntsville has just what our members are looking for,” says Catherine Prather, NTA president. “Alabama’s largest city has great conference facilities and hotels, plenty to see and savor, and unique experiences, like the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.”
Travel Exchange allows tour operators and travel advisors to meet with representatives of destinations and tour suppliers as they seek to renew and develop itineraries for multiday tours. NTA members listen and learn during these one-on-one appointments and in the show’s education sessions that include seminars, roundtables, and panel discussions.
“We’re thrilled that Huntsville has been selected to host NTA’s Travel Exchange in November 2024,” says Judy Ryals, president and CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This prestigious event will bring tour operators and travel industry professionals from across North America and around the world.”
The hundreds of NTA members—as well as certified tour directors and guides—who attend Travel Exchange in Huntsville’s Von Braun Center will get to explore the host city, with sightseeing tours and evening events at local sites scheduled throughout the four-day conference.
“We look forward to showcasing Huntsville’s attractions to NTA attendees in our efforts to bring future motorcoach groups to the city,” Ryals says. “And we’re proud to be the first city in Alabama to host NTA’s Travel Exchange.”
The 2024 host-city announcement was made last month to 100-plus NTA members in Cheyenne, Wyoming, during Contact, the association’s annual buyer retreat. Prather revealed the TREX ’24 logo and introduced Pam Williams, tourism and education sales manager for the Huntsville CVB, to share details about her destination.
“What made the announcement special—and what will make this event successful—is working with Pam, who has been a vibrant part of the NTA community for 14 years. And Huntsville has been a member since the ‘70s,” Prather says. “We’re going to have a great time in Huntsville.”
Before November 2024 rolls around, NTA members have two more big events to look forward to: This year’s Travel Exchange will be in Shreveport, Louisiana, Nov. 12-15; and Contact ‘24 is slated for May 15-18, 2024, in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador.
Featured Image: Pam Williams of the Huntsville CVB and NTA President Catherine Prather; Credit: Normand Huberdeau
