THESE LUMINARIES ARE DEVELOPING INNOVATIVE TOOLS AND CREATIVE APPLICATIONS TO HELP THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY FLOURISH
In an industry filled with entrepreneurs, creative operators and talented marketers, there are a few who not only keep their finger on the pulse of the travel business but also are a driving force behind the heartbeat of their niche. These Titans of Tourism help guide and shape our industry in numerous ways, from supervising associations and building communities, to developing innovative tools and creative applications for existing practices. Leisure Group Travel has sought out six such Titans and asked them to share with us their insight on the changes and trends within their organizations and how it affects our industry at large.
Click on the photo or link to read each titan’s forecast article.
RAINER JENSS
Founder, Family Travel Association (FTA)
Before traveling around the world for a year with his wife and two young children in 2009, Rainer Jenss was a Vice President and 13-year veteran of the National Geographic Society. As Publisher of National Geographic Kids from 2002-2008, Jenss helped transform the publication into the most widely read consumer magazine for children throughout the world. By creating the Family Travel Association, Jenss aimed to establish a collective and unified industry voice that will help change the way families travel.
PETER J. PANTUSO
President and CEO, American Bus Association (ABA)
In addition to his role at ABA, Peter Pantuso also serves as President of the National Bus Traffic Association and of the ABA Foundation. Prior to joining ABA, Peter directed the government and regulatory affairs efforts at the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the National Confectioners Association. Under Peter’s leadership, the ABA has grown to become North America’s leading and largest motorcoach, tour and travel association, representing 3,800 members and 65 percent of all motorcoaches on the roads.
LISA SIMON
CEO/Executive Director, International Inbound Travel Association (IITA)
Lisa Simon serves as the CEO of the International Inbound Travel Association, the only trade association focused solely on international inbound travel to the United States. With her 30 years of experience in the travel industry specializing in association management, strategic planning and tourism market development, she has spoken on global and domestic travel industry trends throughout the United States and around the world.
CARYLANN ASSANTE
CAE-CEO, Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA)
Carylann Assante serves as the Executive Director of the Student & Youth Travel Association, the international association that promotes student and youth travel worldwide. Carylann is also the Executive Director of the SYTA Youth Foundation, the philanthropic arm that provides scholarships and education experiences for students and youth who are unable to travel due to financial and personal hardship. Prior to joining SYTA, Carylann served as the Vice President of Member Relations and Partnerships at ASAE, the American Society of Association Executives.
DOUGLAS QUINBY
Co-founder and CEO, Arival
Douglas Quinby partnered with Alex Kremer and Bruce Rosard to establish an independent platform to serve the business needs of creators and sellers of Tours, Activities & Attractions – a segment long overlooked by the global travel and tourism industry. Arival advances the business of creating awesome in-destination experiences through events, insights and community for Tour, Activity & Attraction providers. Prior to founding Arival, Douglas was Senior Vice President, Research, at Phocuswright, a leading travel industry research firm.
SHANNON STOWELL
CEO Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)
Shannon Stowell leads the ATTA as CEO after re-starting the organization in 2004 pursuing the vision that it could be a powerful force for good in the tourism industry. More than 25 years of business experience in adventure travel, e-commerce, outdoor retail and environmental science have prepared him well to serve and head the organization. Shannon has been advising and speaking around the world for the last 13 years advocating for responsible adventure tourism as a powerful way for destinations to benefit from a business that sits at the intersection commerce, conservation and community.
