Katrina White, Travel and Trade Manager for the Tourism Division of the Rhode Island Economic Development (RIEDC), received the National Tour Association's (NTA) 2013 Volunteer of the Year Award. The award was given in recognition of White's work to promote and support the efforts of the association to lead the growth of travel to, from and within North America. White was presented the award during the NTA's annual Travel Exchange in January at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
With support from the regional tourism councils, White hosted the NTA's first Contact conference in Newport – a meeting designed for tour operator owners, managers, directors of sales and directors of operations – that brought 100 tour operators to Rhode Island. The exposure has resulted in new group tour revenue to the state. In addition, White hosted a NTA Road Show last May at Blithewold in Bristol followed by a China workshop on welcoming Chinese tourists and developing tour product targeting the Chinese visitor's expectations and requirements.
According to NTA's website (www.ntaonline.com), the Volunteer of the Year award recognizes and honors individuals for extensive contributions to the association on a voluntary basis. Any NTA member is eligible for the award with a nomination from a NTA committee member; the winner is selected through review and recommendation by both the NTA Executive Committee and the NTA Board of Directors.
Rhode Island Tourism has been a NTA member since 1984, and Katrina has been attending NTA Travel Exchange for 19 years.
About National Tour Association Founded in 1951, NTA is the leading business-building association for travel professionals (from more than 40 countries) interested in the North American market—inbound, outbound and within the continent. For more information, visit NTAonline.com.
About Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation is the full service, official economic development organization for the state of Rhode Island. A quasi-public agency, the Corporation serves as a government and community resource to help streamline the business expansion in, and relocation to, Rhode Island. The agency assists companies with commercial real estate, business financing, workforce training and other relevant issues.