Published Feb 11, 2014 1:40PM
NEW YORK 鈥� February 11, 2014 鈥� The 吃瓜黑料网 (吃瓜黑料网) has engaged the expertise of graduate students from Cornell University鈥檚 prestigious SC Johnson Graduate School of Management to undertake a consumer insights project for its membership.
Announced at 吃瓜黑料网鈥檚 Annual Conference & Marketplace in Scottsdale, AZ, in December, the consumer research project is the first step of a multi-year 鈥淚nnovation Lab,鈥� intended to better define today鈥檚 tour customer and help members create relevant products and experiences for future generations.
The project kicked-off in mid-February at 吃瓜黑料网 headquarters in New York City with eight assigned students as well as 吃瓜黑料网 executive committee and marketing committee members. Pictured above are: Terry Dale, president & CEO, 吃瓜黑料网; Derek Mayer and Grace Schiodtz from Johnson; Jerre Fuqua, president, Travcoa and 吃瓜黑料网 chairman; Janice Claudio from Johnson; and Paula Twidale, executive vice president, Collette and 吃瓜黑料网 vice chair.
鈥淭o say this partnership with Johnson is exciting is an understatement,鈥� said Dale. 鈥淭his initial meeting completely energized our board members who were there and sparked some insightful conversation and questions from the students. We have embarked on a new path for 吃瓜黑料网, one that we鈥檙e confident will yield critical intelligence to help shape our member鈥檚 current and future product and business development,鈥� he added.
Results from this initial research are expected to be completed by mid-May.
About 吃瓜黑料网:
Representing more than $11 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow six million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the travel industry鈥檚 highest standards, including participation in the 吃瓜黑料网鈥檚 Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business.
As a voice for the tour operator industry for 40 years, 吃瓜黑料网 also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents. For more information about 吃瓜黑料网, visit , call 212.599.6599 or email information@ustoa.com.
Contact:
Gina Sisco/Liz Carty
Redpoint Marketing PR., Inc.
212-229-0119
Carty@redpointpr.com