Branding themselves the National Travel, Tourism and Recreation Coalition for Surface Transportation, five trade associations last week announced their intention to work together to serve the interests of the travel, tour and recreation industries in the next round of TEA 21 reauthorization. The group of five, including the American Bus Association, the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, the National Tour Association, the Western States Tourism Policy Council and the National Alliance of Gateway Communities, pledged to work together on key issues. Their list of objectives includes: to establish tourism as a major player in highway related policy; to promote better accessibility, information and services for travelers; to support full funding for programs with direct tourism impact and to support as a national priority a Federal Surface Transportation Program that is adequately funded to provide travelers with safe and efficient transportation in a timely manner. The group will continue to develop its agenda, working with the industry and government partners such as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the American Automobile Association and the American Recreation Coalition. The first Travel and Tourism Summit will be held February 6 during the ABA Bus Marketplace in Indianapolis, Ind.