NTA Spring Meet 2009

June 4-6, 2009

NTA's Tour Operator Spring Meet offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to NTA tour operators. The only event of its kind in the industry, the Spring Meet brings tour operators and receptive tour operators together in a relaxed setting to do business with and learn from each other. In 2009, the Monterey County CVB is hosting the event from June 4-6. Included in the activities are pre and post fams which are being organized by the California Travel & Tourism Commission.

Schedule of events

Download PDF of Schedule of Events

The opening night Icebreaker will be at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Sightseeing Tours

There are 10 distinctively different opportunities for both touring and light adventure. Click on the links below to see the final instructions for your chosen sightseeing options, including where to meet, what to bring, what to wear and special instructions for those need some advanced planning. Sightseeing for Spring Meet has been extremely popular this year, but almost all of you should receive your first choice selection.

Thursday, June 4, 1—5:30pm

There will not be much time between when registration opens today and when the coaches leave at 1:00PM. Come to the Monterey County Info desk to pick up your tickets for your tour.

Saturday, June 6, 2:30—5:30pm

Dine Around (special offers for NTA attendees Friday, June 5, 2009 only)

Areas With Shuttle Service

Cannery Row
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company 831-373-0354	Free "Far Out Dip" appetizer
Chart House 831-372-3362	Free appetizer or dessert for the table
Sardine Factory 831-373-3775	Prix Fixe menu until 6:30pm
Willy's Smokehouse 831-372-8880	Free calamari and a draft beer with entrée

Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel Chop House 831-625-1199	Chef's choice free appetizer for table
Bistro Beaujolais 831-624-5600	Free chef's choice appetizer, dessert or glass of port
Flaherty's Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill 831-625-1500	Free appetizer selection and a specially priced dessert menu
The Forge in the Forest 831-624-2233	1/2 off bottle of wine
Grasing's Coastal Cuisine 831-624-6562	Chef's choice free appetizer for table
Il Fornaio 831-622-5100	Choice of a free glass of wine, dessert or bruschetta appetizer

Pacific Grove
Fandango Restaurant 831-372-3456	Free profiteroles dessert
Favaloro's Big Night Bistro 831-373-8523	Free dessert with the purchase of an entree
Joe Rombi's La Mia Cucina 831-373-2416	Free appetizer with entrée order
Passionfish 831-655-3311	Free appetizer with entrée order
Taste Bistro 831-655-0324	Free appetizer or dessert with entrée

Areas Without Shuttle Service

Carmel Highlands
Pacific's Edge (Highlands Inn) 831-622-5445	Free dessert with the purchase of an entrée

Monterey
Café Beach (Beach Resort Monterey) 831-394-3321	Free appetizer with advance reservations
Montrio Bistro 831-648-8880	Free calamari and a glass of house wine with entrée
TusCA Ristorante (Hyatt Regency Monterey) 831-657-6675	Buy one entrée get a second entrée free

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Monterey County located?

Monterey County is situated along California’s stunning central coast. The northern edge of the county is about 75 miles south of SFO, and the southern county line is about 275 miles north of LAX. The city of Monterey is 112 miles south of SFO and 76 miles south of San Jose.

What is the weather like in Monterey County?

Monterey County boasts an average daytime temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Spring and summer bring warm, clear days and cool nights. During June expect coastal fog in the morning that burns off by mid-day. Inland, temperatures are significantly warmer, with highs in the 90s. Early autumn is the coast’s sunniest (and warmest) time of year.

What is appropriate to wear?

We recommend dressing in layers so you’re comfortable no matter where you go. In the valleys, you’ll want to wear less; if you’re along the coast you may want to wear (or carry) more. Generally, light-to-medium-weight clothing is appropriate and a sweater or light jacket is perfect.

What else will I need?

A lot of our activities are outdoors, so we always recommend protection from the elements. Remember, you can even get sunburn when it’s overcast. So bring along the following:

Sun screen
Sun glasses
Windbreaker or light jacket
Hats or visors
Long sleeve clothes
Comfortable shoes

How do I get around Monterey County?

Shuttle service will be provided throughout Spring Meet. However, if you wish to go off on your own, rental cars and limousine services are available as well. Arrangements can be made through your concierge, or check out the Land & See Visitors Guide available at the Monterey County information desk next to registration. You can also go online at SeeMonterey.com. A convenient bus service is operated by Monterey-Salinas Transit. It reaches almost every corner of the county stretching as far south as Big Sur (26 miles), north to Marina and inland to Salinas. Be sure to check time schedules.

What is there to do in Monterey County?

The question is what isn’t there to do! Monterey County is a mecca for all things active. Paddle, peddle, putt, glide, hike, sail, snorkel, dive, race, stroll, taste, jog or comb (beach-, that is). You are in for the treat of your life!