Having just reached the Winter Solstice here in Australia, I am reminded that we are already half way through the year. For those in the northern hemisphere, you are about to embark on your summer holiday season which I hope will be a very profitable one for all WITIA members. The southern hemisphere is in the middle of winter with our next peak season still six months away, so we are experiencing a quieter time requiring some clever marketing campaigns and initiatives. This presents opportunities as so many from this part of the world are looking for warm sunny holidays!

The beginning of the year heralded a worldwide economic meltdown, presenting numerous challenges for the travel and tourism industry. Many businesses have had to make some hard choices to adapt to present conditions, and most have had to realign their economic forecasts, but signs from different countries indicate there are some “green shoots of recovery,” as President Obama said recently. We hope these “green shoots” will hearten you as it does us, inspiring you to a new confidence in the future. Truly we feel that better times are on the horizon.

One way of helping each another to survive these difficult times is to learn about “new” destinations or products, and what better way to do this than via the WITIA network. If you have colleagues or friends whose businesses are unique or offer a point of difference, even (or especially) if they are in a different region, country or continent from you, encourage them to join WITIA and tell us about themselves! They will be named as a new member in WITIA WORKS! and can choose to have their businesses featured in WITIA NETWORKS!, perhaps offering special rates or Educationals for fellow members. Both of these publications go out to over 2500 tourism professionals around the globe. Everyone benefits from being acquainted with new and fresh opportunities, and sometimes the planting of a seed (the germ of an idea!) can lead to a very prosperous harvest.

If you introduce a new member who joins before 30 June, you will also have an opportunity to be part of the Members Acquisition Campaign so it is a win-win for everyone! For every new member you sign up, your name will go into the draw for a free registration for the Beijing Educational which will be held 8 – 13 October 2009. Already there are many members who have signed up multiple new members so have several entries in the draw!

The program and registration form for the Educational can be found on-line at www.witia.org/events, then click on Beijing Educational Program or the Registration Form. A great range of pre and post tours is also offered with details in the same link. We are continually receiving more registrations, so this promises to be an unforgettable trip with opportunities for great networking! Remember that you can still take advantage of Early Bird pricing by registering by 15 July 2009.

I wish you all a successful month but also time for yourself to enjoy life and appreciate the things which really matter: good health, happy families, and a positive mindset!

Anne Isaacson