La NTA décerne un prix pour son plaidoyer législatif en faveur du tourisme

WASHINGTON, DC – The NTA has given their James D. Santini Award to Patti A. Culp for her legislative tourism work for over the past 3 decades.

WASHINGTON, DC – The NTA has given their James D. Santini Award to Patti A. Culp for her legislative tourism work for over the past 3 decades. Culp became a registered lobbyist in 1980 and has served for 35 years as the Executive Director of the Alabama Travel Council. She leads a delegation of tourism professionals from her state each year during the NTA advocacy event.

Culp was honored at a luncheon in Washington, DC, during “Destination: Capitol Hill,” where NTA members gathered with hundreds of industry colleagues to promote travel and tourism legislation to members of Congress.

“I believe that state and federal advocacy from a grassroots perspective is imperative to the success of our industry, whether it’s to extend our school year or protect our state tourism department’s budget,” Culp said. “It’s our responsibility to let our voices be heard.”

Culp is the longest-serving senior executive of any state travel organization, said Steve Richer, NTA’s Public Affairs Advocate, who works with Culp on behalf of the association.

“Patti epitomizes a state-level leader who knows how to effectively bring our message to her Congressional delegation,” said Richer. “Every time her Alabama tourism delegation participates with NTA, they find a way to meet with every member of Congress – both House and Senate – from Alabama.”

NTA’s legislative priorities include:

-passage of the JOLT Act (Jobs Originating through Launching Travel),
-continuation of the survey of international travelers arriving by air,
-reauthorization of the Corporation for Travel Promotion, which created the Brand USA,
-reauthorization of the highway trust fund, and
-adequate funding for public lands and national parks.

Bill Hardman, President and CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society, also praised Culp. “Patti is an exceptional example of putting grassroots advocacy in action,” he said. “We congratulate Patti on her outstanding recognition as the recipient of this year’s James D. Santini Award and applaud her for her continued contributions to travel and tourism at the state, regional, and national level.”

The James D. Santini award recognizes NTA members who have made long-term, significant contributions to the association’s advocacy efforts. Santini, who was NTA’s legislative counsel for 25 years, served 4 terms in the United States Congress as the only member of the House of Representatives from Nevada. He was a founder and the first Secretary/Treasurer of the U.S. Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus in the House.

“Jim has always been my mentor, and his advice and counseling have helped hundreds of NTA members feel comfortable and capable on the Hill.” Culp said. “I could not be more honored to receive the Santini Award.”

In 2012, Culp chaired the Government Relations Committee of NTA [ http://www.ntaonline.com/ ], the leading association for professionals serving travelers to, from. and within North America.

PHOTO: Patti Culp (center) received NTA’s James D. Santini Award for advocacy work on behalf of the tourism industry. With her is Tom Jaffa, NTA Government Relations Committee Chair; Jim Santini, longtime legislative counsel for NTA; Neil Amrine, 2011 winner of the Santini Award; and Mark Hoffmann, NTA Chair and 2011 winner of the Santini Award.

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Linda Hohnholz

Rédacteur en chef pour eTurboNews basé au siège d'eTN.

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