In addition to their usual U.S. Travel membership benefits, NCSTD provides programs and services specifically for the state tourism directors and their office personnel. These programs and services are designed to enhance professional development, address common state tourism issues, provide resources and other tools to help state tourism offices perform mission critical activities.

Education. The Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) is an annual three-day educational seminar designed exclusively for tourism destination marketing professionals. It is the only national opportunity for tourism professionals at the state, region and local level to exchange best practices and share knowledge.

Government Relations. Through U. S. Travel's Government Relations department, NCSTD works to advance tourism and travel issues relevant to the state tourism office. NCSTD members are represented on the U.S. Travel Board of Directors and have ongoing relationships with a multitude of other associations, various federal agencies and numerous tourism related entities.

Professional Development Networks. NCSTD offers instantaneous exchanges of best practices and a robust network of industry knowledge through our list serves. The following job functions within the state/territory tourism office are represented:  state tourism directors, PR, research, marketing/advertising, travel information centers, and travel trade.

NCSTD Awards Program. The Mercury Awards, State Tourism Director of the Year Award, and Trotter Special Service Award recognize excellence in marketing, promotion and individual leadership within the state tourism and travel industry.

NCSTD Resource Center. NCSTD maintains the NCSTD Resource Center which serves as a clearinghouse for information affecting states and or the entire travel and tourism industry. It stores general NCSTD information, Research, publications, and other relevant information pertaining to state’s activities.  This is a password-protected area of the U.S. Travel website.

Research

Receive a print copy of the biennial Travel & Tourism Works for America publication (must be member during year of release) and online access to the executive summary of U.S. Travel publications.  Members also receive Travel Industry Update, the latest in travel forecasts, travel indicators and international market analysis, located in the Research section of ustravel.org.  Members can also access our newly released Power of Travel and Take Off reports.

U.S. Travel Regular members receive 40 percent discounts on all research Subscription packages and individual publications, along with leading edge research through access to travel forecasts, the Travel Price Index and the Travel Sentiment Index.

For more information on NCSTD Programs and Services email ncstd@ustravel.org.