G E RA L D O V I S E U

NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS

WHAT IS AN NTO?

• The tourism industry used to be a totally private business• Nowadays, countries that are serious in the

tourism business set up a public sector body to lead the industry and help it develop• These governing groups and associations are

called NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS (NTO)

WHAT DO NTO’S DO?

• Legislation and policy development• Marketing and promotions• Infrastructure and facilities• Tourist information and tourism training

LEGISLATION AND POLICY

• The government creates laws that are beneficial to the tourism industry• Develop long-term strategies• Maximize the gain for the country

MARKETING AND PROMOTION

• Market research and planning• Activities and exhibitions• Promotions• Build a strong image for the country

INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES

• Make sure we have the facilities to accept the inflow of tourists• Airports, railroads, roads, ferries• Border checkpoints and customs• Efficiency• The up-keep of monuments, parks, and the

nature

TOURIST INFORMATION AND TRAINING

• Local offices that establish and manage “correct” tourist information• A central location for information• Fast and efficient• Help companies get a footing in the industry• Free brochures and pamphlets for both tourists

and tour companies

MEETING “FORM”

• Welcome/open meeting• Apologies for absence• Approve minutes of the previous meeting• Matters arising from the previous meeting• Overview of this meeting’s topics• A list of specific points to be discussed — this section is

where the bulk of the discussion as well as decisions in the meeting usually takes place

• Any other business (AOB) — allowing a participant to raise another point for discussion.

• Arrange/announce details of next meeting• Close meeting

PURPOSE?

• Share information• Discuss new ideas• Make decisions• Solve problems• Announce policies• Strategic planning• Review progress and results• Sign contracts• Allocate tasks

TOPICS?

• Financial matters• HR / staffing issues• Staff training and development• Marketing strategies• Sales and results• Client service strategies• Product development• Business expansion• Complaint handling• Health and safety issues• Competitor Analysis

MEETINGS

• Introducing and starting a meeting• Asking for contributions• Dealing with interruptions• Asking for clarification• Keeping the meeting on track

STARTING A MEETING

• C. Before we begin, can I introduce Tim Murphy?• D. First, Geena is going to give us an overview

of…• E. I have apologies from Patrick. He can’t make it

today.• F. It’s nice to see everyone.• L. Thank you for being here today.

KEEPING THE MEETING ON TRACK

• A. …and then we can start looking at…• I. … so let’s move on to the business of…• J. Now our objective today is to decide…• K. So if we can get started everyone.

DO’S AND DON’TS

• Have a clear agenda circulated beforehand• Have someone appointed to take minutes• Keep an eye on time• Finish my summarizing what has been discussed

• Don’t invite too many people• Don’t leave preparations to the last minute• Don’t let one person dominate• Don’t let people deviate from the agenda

AGENDA

• An agenda is a list of meeting activities in the order in which they are to be taken up, beginning with the call to order and ending with adjournment.• It usually includes one or more specific items of

business to be considered.

MARKET RESEARCH

• Cultural attractions and events• Discovery• Energetic• Friendly, fun, and humor• Modern• Relaxing• Scenic• Stories• Traditions• Lots of different experiences