May 15, 2008

For Immediate Release
Contact: Eron Shosteck
Phone: 202-218-7220

The American Bus Association today expressed its gratitude and appreciation to the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association for its commitment to allocate a portion of the proceeds from motorcoach parking permits to an annual donation to the American Bus Association Foundation scholarship fund.

Alexandria, VA, right across the Potomac River from downtown Washington, DC, is a perennial tourism destination known for its colonial flavor, distinctive restaurants and storied waterfront. Motorcoach parking is conveniently located at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, a favorite attraction on many tour itineraries of Old Town. Daytime permits are $10, and overnight permits are $35. ACVA has graciously pledged to donate $5 from the sale of each overnight permit to the ABA Foundation Scholarship Fund.

Each year the ABA Foundation awards 18 separate $2,500 scholarships totaling $45,000 to students pursuing academic coursework in preparation for a career in the motorcoach, tour or travel industries. Over the past 10 years, the Foundation has distributed more than $300,000 worth of academic scholarships.

"We applaud the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association for its vision and commitment to our industry's next generation of leaders," said ABA President & CEO Peter Pantuso. "And we encourage motorcoach and tour operators to visit everything Alexandria has to offer, and then at night to 'Park In Old Town For A Cap & Gown'."

"The tour industry contributes essential economic benefits to cities nationwide," said ACVA President and CEO Stephanie Brown. "The ACVA is excited for an opportunity to give back to the tourism community, and support the students who will lead this industry in the future, through donations to the ABA."

Getting in and around Alexandria is easier than ever for motorcoaches. More spaces are now available in Alexandria for loading and unloading of motorcoaches in the heart of the historic district on King Street at Market Square.

The American Bus Association is the trade organization of the intercity bus industry with more than 1000 motorcoach owner and tour company members in the United States and Canada. Its members operate charter, tour, regular route, airport express, special operations and contract services. Another 2,600 members are travel and tourism organizations and suppliers of bus products and services who work in partnership with the North American motorcoach industry.