The National Tour Association has promoted Haybina Hao to vice president for international development.

Hao has served NTA in a director's role since 2010, achieving significant success in steering NTA's China Inbound Program. The program was launched in 2008, when NTA was entrusted by the U.S. and Chinese governments to vet U.S. tour companies that handle the leisure group market from China. Last year the number of U.S.-based tour operators participating in NTA's program surpassed 200.

“Haybina has done a remarkable job of expanding our work with Chinese tourism officials and U.S.-based tour operators, suppliers and destinations,” said NTA President Pam Inman. “Her business and relationship skills will help NTA make similar advances in other markets, including U.S. Hispanics.”

Hao's efforts to expand tourism from China into the U.S. have included familiarization trips, “China-ready” education for U.S. tour suppliers and destinations, participation in travel trade shows in China and trade missions to China. Hao has worked extensively to align NTA's efforts with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Travel and Tourism Office.

“Haybina has been a key player in our efforts to open the market for packaged group travel from China to the United States and in working to support the competitiveness of the U.S. as a travel destination in this critical market,” said Isabel Hill, director, National Travel and Tourism Office. “Her knowledge and professionalism has been a significant asset to our collective efforts.”

When NTA launched its China Inbound Program in 2008, fewer than a half-million Chinese citizens visited the United States. Visitation topped the one million mark in 2011, and by last year it doubled again, when nearly 2.2 million Chinese visitors traveled to the United States. By 2020, China is projected to become the third largest U.S.-inbound market, sending 5 million visitors.

About NTA: Founded in 1951, NTA is a global association of packaged-travel professionals who serve customers traveling to, from and within North America. For more information, visit NTAonline.com.