Z. Allen Abbott, Ph.D., has been named executive director of the Faith Travel Association. He leaves his post as executive director of the American Red Cross in Columbus, Georgia, to begin his FTA duties on March 24, 2014.
In response to the faith-based travel industry’s explosive growth, NTA Services Inc. created the Faith Travel Association—a membership trade organization serving as a business-building resource for travel professionals, sites, and organizations focused on faith-based travel, and providing connections, education, and support for those planning trips for individuals or groups brought together by their faith or religious community.
In late February, at the NTA awards dinner in Los Angeles, the association paid tribute to Sen. Mark Begich, honoring the senator from Alaska with the NTA Pioneer Award. The award recognizes Begich’s unwavering support for the travel industry.
Tourism Cares announced the opening of its 2014 Academic Scholarship Application. This year, up to fifty merit-based academic scholarships are being offered, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 each, and totaling up to $70,000.
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.
