One of the major functions of the Tourism Division is promoting Connecticut to the group tour and travel trade markets domestically and internationally. This is accomplished through membership in organizations such as the American Bus Association, National Tour Association, U.S. Travel Industry Association, The Receptive Service Association (tour operators working with inbound international groups), New England Tourism Center in Canada and Discover New England.

Many of these associations sponsor annual trade shows in a marketplace environment. The shows consist of educational seminars and business sessions including prescheduled one-to-one appointments with tour operators, travel agents and media. Sales leads are available to the Connecticut tourism industry.

The Tourism Division maintains a tour operator database cross referenced by state, company name and type of tour program. Direct sales efforts also include familiarization tours, sales missions, special New England group tour promotions and outreach to automobile clubs and retail travel agencies.

For more information, contact
Rosemary Bove at 860-256-2725 or rosemary.bove@ct.gov