5 Helpful Tourism Organizations Encouraging People To Explore

From providing visitor information, to supporting the development of regional vacation-related industries, dedicated tourism organizations allow people to discover the best of every destination, while growing the local economy. In no particular order, here are some groups helping travelers experience the varied activities and attractions that make every location unique.

Starting off at #1, the Washington County Visitors Association is a non-profit tourism marketing and destination development organization for Washington County, Oregon. The Association specializes in attracting business, leisure, and group travelers, as well as event planners and tour operators. An annual visitor guide features destination maps that highlight the area's restaurants, hotels, and attractions.

The WCVA awards grants to eligible organizations whose projects will attract visitors to Tualatin Valley for an overnight stay in a lodging facility. Grant programs include those for the development of tourism-related offerings and for sporting events. With a Board of Directors consisting of local members representing various businesses affected by the tourism industry, the organization seeks to form partnerships that will benefit the community as a whole.

At #2 is the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. The group's goal is to define, introduce, grow, and sustain American Indian and Indigenous Alaskan and Hawaiian tourism that honors traditions and values. Connecting travelers to relevant destinations throughout the United States, the Association provides information on dozens of unique experiences and more than 220 Native-owned businesses. Attractions include hotels and resorts, campgrounds, museums, cultural centers, annual events, sporting activities, and more.

The Association also provides technical assistance and training, helping tribal nations and enterprises welcome travelers through attractions, hospitality, and recreation. Among the educational services provided is the Cultural Heritage Tourism Certificate Program, an online certificate course designed to help tribal planners hone their cultural tourism skills.

Entering the list at #3, NYC & Company is the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City. The organization aims to maximize travel and tourism opportunities throughout the city, build economic prosperity, and promote visitation to the metropolitan area on a global scale. A 501(c) 6 private corporation, NYC & Company represents the interests of thousands of entities within the jurisdiction.

The organization provides resources for visitors to learn everything there is to know about New York City, as well as popular sites to visit and where to stay within the area. An integrated market development team focuses on group travel, convention and business trips, leisurely vacations, and events-motivated travel. Meanwhile, the Sports Marketing department is responsible for attracting, creating, and promoting athletic events throughout the five boroughs.

Next at #4 is Tourism Industry Aotearoa. The association represents all sectors of New Zealand's diverse tourism industry, with membership ranging from small- and medium-sized enterprises to public corporations. Several member events, such as the New Zealand Hotel Conference, host discussions that provide insight and opportunities for growth within the sector.

TIA is committed to sustainability, supporting environmentally responsible interactions between businesses, the surrounding communities, and nature. The association's programs provide a framework for encouraging visitation and economic growth, while preserving the local community and environmental integrity of New Zealand.

Lastly, at #5, Tourism Nova Scotia is a private sector-led provincial Crown corporation with a mandate to grow Nova Scotia’s tourism industry and maximize its value to the province's economy. Focused on attracting non-resident overnight visitors and increasing related revenue, the corporation leads development within the sector, providing marketing and visitor services, as well.

The mission of TNS is to market Nova Scotia’s tourism experience to the world through innovation and collaboration. Partnering with public organizations, destination marketing companies, community groups, and municipalities, the corporation seeks to attract more first-time visitors and provide quality experiences.