One professional association that relates to my industry is the NATJA or the North American Travel Journalists Association. My industry revolves around travel journalism and broadcasting.
“The North American Travel Journalists Association is the premier professional association of writers, photographers, editors, and tourism professionals dedicated to redefining professional development for the travel industry.”
“NATJA’s mission is to support the professional development of its members, provide exceptional benefits and valuable resources, support high quality professional journalism, promote travel and leisure activities to the public, and honor the excellence of journalism throughout the world.”
NATJA was founded in 1991 by New Jersey travel writers Bob Nesoff and Dan Schlossberg as a non-political organization. Nesoff was elected its first president, with Schlossberg as vice president. In 1994, when other responsibilities called him away, Nesoff resigned and was succeeded by Schlossberg.
To join NATJA, applicants must prove only that they are legitimate working travel journalists but do not need "sponsorship" from incumbent members. NATJA’s paid staff includes a full-time Executive Director, part-time Conference and Marketplace Director, and professional management agency. NATJA’s programming and services include the annual Conference & Marketplace focusing on professional development, the annual NATJA Awards travel journalism competition, Travelworld Magazine, which is affiliated with MSNBC Travel and features stories from NATJA members, and in-depth media intelligence found in the member extranet. NATJA’s inclusiveness and focus on meeting the demands of the changing travel industry have enabled the organization to grow to more than 500 members. Today, NATJA is the second largest association of writers, photographers, editors, and tourism professionals dedicated to redefining professional development for the travel industry.
The NATJA effects the travel industry by providing travel journalists with a List Serve, Resource Center, annual Professional Development programs, eWire services, Member and Associate Databases, access to Travelworld International Magazine and the Wayfarer newsletter, media trips information, industry news, activation of a personal website, a NATJA media ID and access to the NATJA annual conference and marketplace.
NATJA is a professionally managed association consisting of full-time paid staff and part-time Advisory Board. Our officers are appointed and we do not have non-profit status. Dues and fees paid to NATJA may be tax deductible for media who use NATJA for professional development.
The North American Travel Journalists Association provides a support line for the dedicated travel journalists. It provides the journalists with networking in order to find buyers, sellers or employees. It also presents the members with sources, which aid in research in development of their journalism.
The NATJA is important to the industry because it helps the national members stay in touch no matter what country or continent they are currently traveling to.
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