If you’re interested in hospitality and tourism, there are several national organizations that you should know about. These organizations provide valuable resources and networking opportunities for professionals in the industry. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the eight national organizations in hospitality and tourism.
1. American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA)
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) is a trade association that represents the hotel industry. It was founded in 1910 and has over 27,000 members. The AH&LA provides advocacy, education, and research to its members.
2. National Restaurant Association (NRA)
The National Restaurant Association (NRA) is a trade association that represents the restaurant industry. It was founded in 1919 and has over 500,000 members. The NRA provides advocacy, education, and research to its members.
3. International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) is a trade association that represents the amusement park and attractions industry. It was founded in 1918 and has over 6,000 members. The IAAPA provides advocacy, education, and networking opportunities to its members.
4. Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI)
The Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) is a trade association that represents destination marketing organizations worldwide. It was founded in 1914 and has over 600 members from around the world. The DMAI provides advocacy, education, research, and networking opportunities to its members.
5. Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is a trade association that represents meeting planners around the world. It was founded in 1972 and has over 18,500 members. The MPI provides education, networking opportunities, and professional development to its members.
6. Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE)
The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) is a global organization that represents incentive travel professionals. It was founded in 1973 and has over 2,000 members from around the world. The SITE provides education, networking opportunities, and professional development to its members.
7. Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) is a trade association that represents convention and meeting planners around the world. It was founded in 1957 and has over 6,500 members from around the world. The PCMA provides education, networking opportunities, and professional development to its members.
8. Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI)
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is a trade association that represents sales and marketing professionals in the hospitality industry. It was founded in 1927 and has over 5,000 members from around the world. The HSMAI provides education, research, and networking opportunities to its members.
In conclusion
These eight national organizations play an important role in the hospitality and tourism industry by providing resources for professionals in various areas of the industry such as hotels, restaurants, attractions, meetings/events planning, destination marketing organizations, incentive travel planning, convention planning, sales/marketing etc.. Whether you’re just starting out or have been working in the industry for years, joining one or more of these organizations can help you stay up-to-date on industry trends while also providing valuable networking opportunities with other professionals in your field.