Paul Nakamoto, vice president of business development for Gray Line of San Francisco, has been elected chairman of the NTA board of directors, after serving a year as vice chairman. Joining him on the executive board are vice chair Jorge Cazenave, Cazenave Argentina, and secretary/treasurer Justin Osbon, Image Tours (Grand Rapids, Michigan). Patti Culp, DMO director, Alabama Travel Council, and Jim Magrath, tour supplier director, Delta Air Lines, Inc., also rose to the executive council, serving their second year on the board.

Just as it has been a leader and innovator in the auto industry, Michigan has also been at the forefront of the tourism industry. In 1981, “Circle Michigan” was founded as the first destination marketing organization in the U.S., providing travel and itinerary services to tour and group travel planners throughout the U.S. Circle Michigan executive director, Janet Kasic, recently announced the election of Melisa Brown as the 2014 president of the board of directors. Brown brings more than twenty years of group tour sales and marketing experience to the board. She currently serves in the role of Tour & Travel Sales Manager at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort; she joined the hotel in 2003. In addition to her vast hotel experience, Brown has more than eight year’s experience in tourism marketing for a regional convention and visitors bureau.

Courier magazine has announced the winners of the 2014 Distinguished Dozen awards: 12 categories of destinations, attractions, hotels and restaurants selected by NTA tour operators as favorites. Voting was conducted at the close of the year by Courier, which is the official monthly magazine for NTA members, and NTA Services Inc., the publisher of NTA products.

Valentine’s Day is the ultimate opportunity to shower your sweetheart with well-deserved attention, affection, and luxury. This year, upgrade from clichéd roses and chocolates to a passionate voyage to Italy or France–two of the most romantic countries in the world.

The American Bus Association’s just-completed 2014 Marketplace in Nashville is the largest and strongest show ever put on by ABA in terms of its size, likely economic impact, return on investment for its members, and amazing evening activities.