National Tour Association ernannt neie President

LEXINGTON, KY – Michele Michalewicz, CTP, a Salt Lake City travel professional and president of Western Leisure, Inc. has been inducted as the 2009 chairman and CEO of the National Tour Association. NTA is the industry’s premier packaged travel association made up of more than 3,000 members from around the globe.

“The coming year is a critical one for the travel and tourism industry,” Michalewicz said. “The new administration will be coming into office as America is dealing with an economic crisis, but travel and tourism has the ability to change that. In 2009, NTA will continue reaching out to President-elect Obama and key members of Congress to assist in accelerating the economy through travel and tourism, and I look forward to working with industry colleagues in the creation of a travel stimulus package. Additionally, as chairman and CEO of NTA, I will continue to find better ways to increase business for our members as we find new ways of dealing with today’s economy.”

A long-time supporter of the travel industry, Michalewicz has actively served NTA on various committees and has volunteered in many roles since 1988. Michalewicz has been with Western Leisure, Inc. since 1987. Western Leisure is a tour operator offering customized tour programs in the United States and Canada.

“Michele is a strong leader and will be serving the association as the travel and tourism industry faces many new challenges,” said NTA president Lisa Simon, CTP. “With the leadership of Michele and the entire NTA board and leadership team, I am confident NTA will continue to bring new business to its members and make its voice heard in Washington for the betterment of NTA members and their travelers from around the world.”