The American Bus Association (ABA) and Ontario Motor Coach Association (OMCA) signed a letter of intent in early October, 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, as well as 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."

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