NYC & Company Welcomes the 2011 Student & Youth Travel Association Annual Conference to New York City
NYC & COMPANY WELCOMES THE 2011 STUDENT & YOUTH TRAVEL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE TO NEW YORK CITY
-Largest Annual Gathering for Student Group Travel Professionals Helps Propel New York City as the Number One Destination in North America-
New York City (August 18, 2011)–NYC & Company, the City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization, welcomes the 2011 Student & Youth Travel Association Annual Conference (SYTA) to New York City for the first time. Comprised of nearly 1,000 members, SYTA is a non-profit, professional trade association whose members include tour operators, convention and visitors bureaus, state and provincial offices of tourism, restaurants, hotels and other organizations involved in student and youth travel. The event brings together travel professionals from across the country to experience all that New York City has to offer students including access to world-renowned museums and cultural institutions, fine dining, iconic attractions and groundbreaking theatre. The SYTA Annual conference will be held at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers near Times Square from August 18 through 24, 2011.
“New York City is proud to host the Student & Youth Travel Association for the first time,” said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company. “These professionals understand that New York City has much to offer student travelers – a wealth of diversity, excitement and education throughout every borough – making New York the top destination for these visitors in North America.”
SYTA tour operators account for nearly $1.55 billion in US student and youth travel, providing trips to over 2.2 million participants each year. This year’s SYTA Conference features special discussions on how to expand and increase business, utilizing social media, peer to peer networking events, as well as a special presentation on the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. NYC & Company will provide escorted excursions for members to attractions throughout the City.
”SYTA is thrilled to be holding our annual conference in New York City this year,” said Patrick Connor, President of SYTA. “This amazing destination has so much for students, and it will be great for our members to enjoy much of what New York has to offer first hand.”
The Student & Youth Travel Association annual conference is not open to the public. For more information or to register, please go to syta.org.
About NYC & Company:NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nycgo.com.
About SYTA:Founded in 1997, SYTA is a dynamic partnership of dedicated professionals passionate in promoting and providing travel experiences for student and youth, which enhance their social, cultural, and educational growth. For more information about SYTA, or to receive a free subscription to SYTA's professional Teach & Travel magazine for educators and youth group leaders interested in student/youth travel, please visit syta.org or call 703-610-0270.
-30-Contact: Chris Heywood/NYC & Company 212 484 1270