GAS PRICES NOT LIKELY TO AFFECT SUMMER TRAVEL PLANS
 Six of ten (59%) Americans who are currently planning a trip with their car, truck or SUV this summer will not change their travel plans even with additional increases in the price of gas, according to the closely watched travelhorizonsTM survey co-authored by the Travel Industry Association (TIA) and Ypartnership. Click here to learn more.
 THE GLOBAL ENTRYTM PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
 U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents over 14 years of age can apply to participate in the Global Entry Program, the new pilot program managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection allowing pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States. TIA strongly supports the introduction of this new registered traveler program and looks forward to its expansion to additional countries in order to facilitate increased international travel to the U.S. Click here to learn more.
TRAVEL INDUSTRY CELEBRATES 25th ANNUAL NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK
 Hundreds of cities, states and businesses nationwide are saluting travel and tourism in America during the annual National Tourism Week. This year's theme, Discover Great American Traditions, has been met with much enthusiasm. Many organizations chose to participate in AOL Travel’s special Tourism Week galleries. Take a moment to visit their site and view their reflections of great American travel traditions.
INTERNATIONAL POW WOW MONDAY NIGHT:
GET READY TO BE ASTOUNDED
 Blue Man Group, the wildly inventive, hysterically funny show with no spoken language, is hosting Pow Wow delegates at two performances at The Venetian Monday night, June 2, 2008. Impossible to describe, people of all ages agree that Blue Man Group’s show is an intensely exciting and wildly outrageous experience. Complimentary tickets are available for performances at 7:30pm and 10:30pm. Click here to RSVP. Learn more about TIA's 40th Annual International Pow Wow.
CHINA'S OUTBOUND MARKET: CITM AND A WEBINAR
 Introduce your brand to China, the world’s fastest growing travel market, by exhibiting in the Discover America Pavilion at the China International Travel Mart (CITM), November 20-23, 2008. CITM is the largest travel show in China and the only one sanctioned by China National Tourism Authority (CNTA). Because CITM asks for size requirements by May 31, 2008 we ask that you contact Sarah Dickson at sdickson@tia.org or (202) 408-2134 to secure your space today.
Learn more about China Outbound Tourism to the U.S. during a webinar on May 22, 2008, 8:00-9:30 pm EST. Supported by the U.S. Commercial Service's Travel & Tourism Team, the National Tour Association and the China Business Information Center, this live Internet briefing features a market overview, best practices, a visa update, and information on the China outbound leisure travel program and the agreement between the U.S. and China. Contact Delia Valdivia at 310-235-7203 or click here for information and registration details.
ODYSSEY AWARDS HONOR THE BEST IN TRAVEL AND TOURISM
 TIA’s 2008 Odyssey Awards, in partnership with National Geographic Traveler, honor the very best in marketing, advertising and sustainability in the travel and tourism industry. Submissions are being accepted through June 16, 2008. Winners will be recognized at the Gala Dinner during TIA’s Marketing Outlook Forum, October 27-30 in Portland, Oregon. Honorees will also be spotlighted in the November/December issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine.
DELEGATIONS BEGIN PLANNING FOR TRAVEL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
 Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Virginia and Wyoming have already started organizing delegations to attend the 3rd Annual Travel Leadership Summit in Washington, DC on September 24-25, 2008. Arkansas Tourism Director and Chair of the National Council of State Tourism Directors Joe David Rice says "As the industry continues to strengthen its voice on Capitol Hill, the importance of TLS continues to grow." This year's general session will be held steps from the Capitol Building at the Washington Court Hotel (525 New Jersey Ave, NW). To lead your state's delegation, contact Melissa Gong at (202) 408-2137 or mgong@tia.org.
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Volume
8: Issue 9 - May 13, 2008 
