Priming the pump: tourism boards and U.S. tour operators were promoting new products at Market U.K. (Europe).(National Tour Association participates in Market U.K. )

Travel Agent, October, 2002 by Ruggia, James

Late last month, Market U.K.--a workshop that brought together some 60 National Tour Association (NTA) operators with suppliers from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland-focused on how regions that are part of Great Britain can market themselves as independent areas. The Market introduced medium-size and small operators to suppliers so they could "develop future FIT and group business, with an emphasis on special interest and niche travel," said Jane Hooper, the British Tourist Authority's New York-based business development manager for the travel trade.

Three Purposes

Says Rob Franklin, the BTA's executive vice president for the Americas: "The market has three clear purposes: present an overview of British tourism, stimulate creativity in...