National Tour Association Planning ‘Green’ November Convention

Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the first and largest certified green convention center in the world, will play host to the National Tour Association’s 2008 convention from November 15-19. The event marks the very first “green event” to take place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the first and largest certified green convention center in the world, will play host to the National Tour Association’s 2008 convention from November 15-19. The event marks the very first “green event”  to take place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
The National Tour Association. is the preferred association in the tourism industry for packaged travel professionals. NTA membership represents 34 countries and tour and travel packagers of all types.

“NTA is taking steps to lessen the negative impact all of us have on the environment,” said NTA Chairman and CEO Bob Hoelscher, CTP. “As travel professionals we have a special responsibility to preserve the world’s destinations for future generations. NTA is taking action to implement best practices and help our members see how they can truly make a difference.”

NTA will be implementing a number of green initiatives at the convention, as well as at NTA headquarters. Some of the changes delegates can expect leading up to the November convention as well as on-site include:

• Many previously pre-printed or mailed items will now be e-mailed. NTA will reduce the use of as much paper as possible by providing the same information to its members electronically wherever possible.
• Badge holders will be recycled.
• NTA will eliminate individual event tickets and use identifiers on attendee badges instead.
• Seminar handouts will be posted online rather than distributed onsite.
• NTA will modify the airport transfers and daily shuttle service based on historical use.
• NTA will work with the convention center to introduce enhanced recycling opportunities.

“NTA delegates will love the David L. Lawrence Convention Center thanks to its abundance of fresh air, natural light and river views,” said Joe McGrath, president and CEO of VisitPittsburgh. “And, visitors will see for themselves why Pittsburgh’s reputation as a model green city is growing.”

“Sustainable Travel International reports that 58.5 million Americans say they would pay more to use a travel company that strives to protect and preserve the environment,” Hoelscher said. “Today’s travelers are more Earth-conscious and tour and travel packagers must adapt to that. We hope delegates will find ways to implement some of the Earth-friendly ideas they see in Pittsburgh in their own businesses and travel products.”

For more information, visit NTA online.