The International Inbound Travel Association is the national nonprofit trade association representing the United States’ international inbound travel industry. IITA members include inbound tour operators and suppliers (lodging companies, transportation, destinations, attractions, restaurants, etc.) IITA inbound tour operators (also known as receptive tour operators) are US-based companies, which specialize in creating, marketing, and selling US travel products to international travelers. A tour operator shall be considered an inbound tour operator when the majority of its revenue is derived from inbound international travelers to the United States. These inbound operators contract with overseas tour wholesalers, agents and other travel producers to provide tourist services throughout the US for their groups and FIT travelers. Beginning as RSA in 1991, the Receptive Services 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. Ever expanding its reach and influence, RSA joined forces with ITSA, the International Travel Services Association to form the Receptive Services Association of America (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, educational opportunities, and networking with new business partners. Today, IITA is involved in a wide range of industry activities, focusing on working with suppliers, regulatory agencies and travel promotion bureaus to improve the quality of travel related services for foreign visitors. IITA also addresses economic and public policy issues affecting tourism at local, state, and federal levels. Furthermore, international tour operators, as well as international entities that promote travel to the United States, are eligible for membership in IITA. More than ever, IITA serves as the bridge to international inbound business and is committed to serving the needs of its members and to advancing the industry as a whole.
