WASHINGTON - The American Bus Association (ABA) and Ontario Motor Coach Association (OMCA) signed a letter of intent last week during ABA's Fall Board of Directors meeting at the Gaylord National Convention Center on the Potomac to form a partnership resulting in the successful launch of Project 2010.

Project 2010 is envisioned to be the premier online internet application in real time for the searching and booking of hotels, attractions, food services, transportation and related components of packaged travel by tour operators. It also will be designed to serve as a source of information, networking, training and education for employees of bus companies and tour operators and suppliers to these operators.

The goal of Project 2010 is to provide a portal, a needed point of direct contact, between the two organizations' operators, travel partners, and other product and service providers in North America offering tools to the group and packaged travel market.

"We are continually looking for ways to offer our members more tools to grow their businesses," said ABA Chairman Doug Anderson. "This innovative online resource will not only bring ABA and OMCA closer as partners, but help the members of each connect with more potential business partners across North America."

"The objective of Project 2010 is to create a gateway between the Associations' operators, travel members and other essential resources within the group travel market," said OMCA Chairman David Willis. "Project 2010 will generate great benefits for the entire North American motorcoach, tour and travel industry."

Plans are being developed to further market the new software to all members of both Associations with a full roll out expected early 2009.

Members of the American Bus Association (ABA) and the Ontario Motor CoachAssociation (OMCA) have selected “GroupConnect.com” as the official domain namefor Project 2010, the two associations’ new web portal designed to be a one-stop shop forall group travel needs.

Following webinars, focus groups, the opportunity to suggest names, and a finalvote to choose a name for the Internet 2.0 booking tool, Project 2010 enthusiasts castmore votes for “GroupConnect” than any competing proposal for the ABA-OMCA jointventure’s online identification.

“’GroupConnect’ captures the ‘group’ travel component and combines it with themany benefits implied in the term ‘connect’,” said ABA President & CEO Peter J.Pantuso. “ABA and OMCA connect across borders, across operator segments to travel and supplier segments, and connect our members to the right folks looking to book business with them, from the bus or tour operator to the destination.”

“We are proud to unveil the name, and look forward to the exciting months of growth ahead,” said OMCA President Brian Crow. “ABA and OMCA have a close relationship because we both realize the importance of connecting the U.S. and Canada as tourism destinations. It’s unique in the industry.”

GroupConnect is being developed specifically for the motorcoach, tour and travel industry to help ABA and OMCA members increase opportunities to network with each other and with business prospects in the group travel market, as well as provide access to continuing education programs and training. Also in the works is a virtual trade show.

In developing this new web portal, ABA and OMCA want to ensure it facilitates new alliances; creates a more open, informed and collaborative industry; provides tracking opportunities to DMOs; fosters lead generation and develops new business opportunities; helps ease the tour creation and planning process; provides relevant, timely and accurate information; leverages web 2.0 platforms and next generation business to business networks; and adds value to association members in both countries.