Visit Fairfield Director earns certificate of achievement

Terry Baker, Executive Director at Fairfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (Visit Fairfield) recently earned a certificate of achievement in international inbound tourism by completing the International Inbound Travel Association’s (IITA) Inbound Insider Steps to Success program.

The Steps to Success program, powered by Alon Tourism Solutions of New York, NY, provides education and hands-on training in working with the international travel trade – that is, U.S.-based inbound tour operators and international tour operators and travel agents – to build international visitation to Fairfield, Iowa. This “Stamp of Approval” from IITA demonstrates to the travel trade that Terry Baker understands their business and is ready to work effectively with them to increase inbound travel and tourism.

“Few people have achieved this level of knowledge and international expertise, and Terry has proven her commitment to building international business that will contribute to the local economy,” said Lisa Simon, CEO of IITA. “International tourism takes time to develop and is built on relationships with inbound operators, who are critical to the recovery and growth of this important travel sector.”

Inbound operators create demand for travel to the U.S., both leisure and business travel, and work with destinations to feature smaller businesses and lesser-known experiences as well as the main attractions within a destination. They have vast networks of travel buyers around the world to whom they market and sell U.S. travel product.

“Tapping into the international travel market is the next step in growing tourism for Fairfield,” said Baker, “This certification positions us to work effectively with international tour operators and showcase Fairfield as a must-visit destination. We’re excited to play a role in shifting the perception that Iowa is just a flyover state—travelers from around the world are looking for unique, authentic experiences, and Fairfield is ready to welcome them.”

The International Inbound Travel Association (IITA) is the national, nonprofit trade association for international travel to the United States. IITA members include the leading U.S.-based inbound operators (also known as receptive tour operators, DMCs), as well as destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and suppliers (accommodations, transportation companies, attractions, restaurants, etc.) from across the country.

Alon Tourism Solutions is a global tourism marketing consultancy that educates, prepares and connects tourism destinations, tourism suppliers, and global sales teams (travel agents, DMCs, resellers) to fast-track profitable relationships and symbiotic success. Alon has 25-plus years of industry-specific experience and creative solutions to capture mindshare, generate visits, and close sales for tourism businesses.

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