FAQ's
| Q: |
Just what is the Southeast Tourism Society? |
| A: |
It's a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and
development of tourism throughout the Southeast.
|
| Q: |
What states does it cover? |
| A: |
It was founded in 1983 with eight member states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia,
Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia and Arkansas joined later.
|
| Q: |
How many members are there? |
| A: |
Membership is approaching 800 organizations who represent a wide range of
travel-related businesses.
|
| Q: |
What types of businesses and organizations belong? |
| A: |
The list is long. Among them are:
- Convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce and tourism authorities
- State tourism departments
- Tourism attractions
- Hotels, resorts and other lodging businesses
- Tour companies
- Parks (national, state and local)
- Travel media
- Transportation companies
- Fairs, festivals and special events
- Colleges and universities
|
| Q: |
What are the primary areas of interest for STS? |
| A: |
Cooperative marketing, professional development, networking and legislative advocacy.
|
| Q: |
What's an example of a cooperative marketing program? |
| A: |
The most notable is an extensive program of special advertising sections
available exclusively to STS members. Numerous media outlets that reach the
traveling public are STS members, and many of them develop advertising
opportunities for STS members. STS members often save multiples of their
annual society dues by participating in a single co-op advertising program.
|
| Q: |
What are examples of professional development opportunities? |
| A: |
STS meets every spring and fall, and every meeting has a professional
development component featuring top-flight tourism experts, workshops
and presentations. In addition, STS conducts the STS Marketing College
every summer. This is a one-week intensive course of study that explores
many facets of the travel industry and tourism development. There is a
three-summer curriculum that leads to certification as a Travel Marketing
Professional (TMP).
|
| Q: |
How does STS deal with advocacy? |
| A: |
The very active Southeast Tourism Policy Council is an important part
of STS. It develops a legislative agenda, monitors federal legislation
and keeps STS members informed about important policy issue that affect
tourism. STPC is known and respected in Washington, and members have been
called on for congressional testimony.
|
| Q: |
What is the STS Top 20 Events program? |
| A: |
STS developed this program to recognize successful festivals and special
events across the Southeast. Independent judges evaluate nominations to
identify 20 events across the region each month. Selection as an STS Top
20 Event is a validation of an event's quality and a distinction that
events use effectively in their ongoing marketing and publicity.
|
A short history
On September 14, 1983, a small group of travel & tourism industry leaders from the
Southeast gathered to organize a new, non-profit organization dedicated to the
promotion and development of tourism throughout the region. Those charter members
shared a mutual belief that regional promotion through partnership between states
would create a powerful marketing alliance unparalleled throughout our country.
Joining to make this dream a reality, they created STS.
A quarter century later, their vision has been validated as the Southeast Tourism
Society has established itself as a leader among other travel organizations nationwide.
STS members recognize the vast number of attractions, sporting events, history, scenic
and cultural beauty found within the Southeast and work together uniting the strengths
and resources of the region.
