Receptive Services Association of America
Encyclopedia
The Receptive Services Association of American (aka RSAA or RSA) is a 501(c)6 trade association of major North American based receptive tour operator
Tour operator
A tour operator typically combines tour and travel components to create a holiday. The most common example of a tour operator's product would be a flight on a charter airline plus a transfer from the airport to a hotel and the services of a local representative, all for one price. Niche tour...

 companies and suppliers (hotels, restaurants, attractions,destination marketing organizations, etc.).

History

Beginning as RSA in 1991, the association was formed to bring together all of the major receptive tour operators and suppliers in the New York and New Jersey region. As a result of continuing interest and growth from across the country, RSA grew into a national organization.

Expanding its reach and influence, RSA joined forces with ITSA, the International Travel Services Association to form RSAA in September, 2004. ITSA was formed and founded in 1993, by receptive tour operators and destination management companies to create a united voice to address issues of importance, educational opportunities, and networking with new business partners.

At the 2011 RSAA Summit in New York City it was announced that 2011 would be celebrated as RSAA's 20th Anniversary.

Inbound International Travel

Today, RSAA represents the major inbound operators in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 who handle the inbound package tour business in this country. These receptive operators understand the client’s needs and provide them with solutions and viable itineraries. The association is involved in a wide range of industry activities. Its focus is on working with suppliers, regulatory agencies and travel promotion bureaus to improve the quality of travel related services for foreign visitors.

RSAA also addresses economic and public policy issues affecting tourism at local, state, and federal levels. It is interested in building awareness of the unique role receptives play in linking suppliers from all parts of the United States with the global travel
Travel
Travel is the movement of people or objects between relatively distant geographical locations. 'Travel' can also include relatively short stays between successive movements.-Etymology:...

 industry.

The association is committed to serving the needs of its members and to furthering the industry as a whole. Through the participation of its members at the board and committee level, new programs and resources are developed providing value to both receptives and suppliers alike. These include suggested industry contacts between receptives and suppliers.

On August 22, 2011, RSAA announced that it had formed a strategic partnership with VISIT USA - Europe.

Governance

The chairman of the association is Ellen Persons of AlliedTPro and the executive director is Matt Grayson. RSAA offices are located in Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington is the second-largest city in Kentucky and the 63rd largest in the US. Known as the "Thoroughbred City" and the "Horse Capital of the World", it is located in the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass region...

. The association is governed by a board of directors that consists of 13 members. The association is managed by Associations International.

RSAA's members bring more than 7 million visitors to the United States each year. These visitors spend nearly $4 billion on their travel related services.
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