RSAA Welcomes New Members

RSAA would like to welcome the following new members:

Historic Shopping & Dining Attractions
North Brunswick, NJ

Miki Travel Holdings Inc.
Sorrento, FL

Shaner Hotel Group
State College, PA

The Thayer Hotel
Westpoint, NY

RSAA Mourns the Passing of Gus Thomas

Gustavo (Gus) Julio Alejandro Thomas of City Tours USA passed away on January 1, 2011 after a long battle with brain cancer.  Gus was the son of Albert Thomas who started City Tours during the 1970s.  He is survived by his parents, Albert and Martha; his spouse, Linda; two daughters and four brothers. Donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in his name.

October International Visitor Numbers Continue Climb

The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced that international visitors spent an estimated $11.9 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States during the month of October - nearly $1.8 billion more (18%) than was spent in October 2009-marking the tenth straight month of growth in U.S. travel and tourism exports. Total travel and tourism-related exports have increased, on average, $1.4 billion a month in 2010. Read more ...

RSAA Secures Legal Opinion Letter on New York Tax

Recently, RSAA contracted with the law firm of Greenberg Traurig, LLP to provide an opinion letter regarding the New York State “remarketers” tax. The letter was distributed to the receptive tour operator membership late last month.  If you would like a copy of the letter please send an email to todd.hamilton@rsana.com. RSAA would like to thank our receptive tour operator board members for their generous financial contributions for this legal opinion. This letter is provided exclusively to the membership of RSAA and we are pleased to be able to provide this service for our members.  As always, RSAA urges you to consult with your legal or financial counsel on any tax matter.

January 8 - 12
ABA

January 19 - 23
FITUR

January 26 - 27
2011 RSAA Summit
 

Register Now for the 2011 RSAA Summit in New York City!
Appointment Scheduling is Now Open

The RSAA Summit is the premier inbound receptive show of the year! RSAA suppliers and receptive tour operators from across the country will gather for the two-day event for the opportunity to learn, network, build relationships and have fun!

The 2011 RSAA Summit will be held at the majestic Crowne Plaza Times Square in New York City on January 26 & 27, 2011.  The event will feature great educational sessions, several networking opportunities, the annual Gala and the best opportunity to meet one-on-one with the nation's top receptive tour operators and the inbound industry’s leading suppliers from across the country. 

This year, you'll enjoy an engaging and energizing general session by keynote speaker and author Paul Vitale.  Afternoon sessions will include the ever-popular "Ask the Operator", "The Next Four Years of International Travel", technology sessions on keeping your inbox in control and much more. We'll also have a few special guests to help us celebrate the kick-off to our 20th Anniversary.

Don't forget that the Gala will be the "place to be" as we close the Summit.  This year's Gala will also feature the prestigious RSAA Stanley Awards.  These awards are nominated by RSAA's receptive tour operators and given to the best suppliers in the business.  If you need additional tickets to the Gala contact RSAA Member Services at headquarters@rsana.com.

Today is the last day to secure discounted rooms at the Crowne Plaza.  You can go here to make your reservations.  Once you enter your dates into the system, scroll down the list to find the available room types.  You can also go ahead and schedule your discount airport transfers by clicking here.

Complete details can be found on the RSAA Summit Web site, www.RSAAsummit.com, or by clicking here.  Appointment scheduling is now open, so register now to secure your participation.

Did You Know... this year RSAA will be hosting its 12th Annual Auction to benefit Tourism Cares?  If you would like to contribute an item to the auction please complete the auction donation form found at the bottom of the RSAA Summit Web site, www.RSAAsummit.com, under the "Auction" header.