Statewide Tourism Organization Unveils New Name, Web Site and Initiatives

'California Travel Association' Chosen to Reflect Broader Focus & Benefits for Former 'CalTIA'

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 'California Travel Association' (CalTravel) will serve as the official new name for the tourism organization that addresses political concerns for the State of California's tourism industry.

The name change, accompanied by an all-new website found at www.caltravel.org, reflects the broadening of the organization's advocacy efforts, an expansion of member benefits, and a heightened role as the collective voice for the state's travel, tourism and hospitality efforts.  

A major shift for the organization occurred in June 2010 when former Trafalgar Tours USA President and Walt Disney Attractions, Inc. executive John Severini was appointed the first-ever President & CEO to lead the former CalTIA (California Travel Industry Association).

"Through aggressive advocacy and coalition building CalTravel is expanding its role to further the cause of businesses and organizations by protecting and insuring hundreds of thousands of tourism jobs in the state," Severini said. "The new era of CTA has arrived. We urge businesses, organizations and associations that derive revenues from business travelers, vacationers and local drive markets to view our new website which features highlights of CTA's aggressive advocacy efforts, expanded coalition-building and new member benefits."

CTA will celebrate its renewed direction at the 29th Annual California Travel Summit, to be held in Pasadena June 20-22, 2011. The summit will offer increased education sessions and expanded workshops and feature a team of nationally renowned travel and business industry speakers including AEG President & CEO Tim Leiweke; U.S. Travel Association President/CEO Roger Dow; California Travel & Tourism Commission President/CEO Carolyn Beteta; and Tourism Economics Managing Director Adam Sacks.  

The summit is expected to draw over 600 travel, tourism and hospitality professionals and state legislative officials from California and neighboring states. Registration is available at www.caltravel.org

The California Travel Association (formerly CalTIA) is the unified voice for the California travel industry's political concerns. By advocating directly to the state legislature, the Governor's office, local and federal officials, businesses, and the public, the California Travel Association addresses issues that affect the state's tourism industry. It also aggressively seeks to ensure continued funding for the California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC). 

SOURCE California Travel Association