Published Dec 3, 2015 12:00AM
NEW YORK – December 3, 2015 – The
United States Tour Operators Association
(USTOA) announced the 2016 Board of Directors, five of whom serve as the
associations’ Executive Committee, at its Annual Conference & Marketplace, December
3-5 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in Chicago, IL.
Heading the Executive Committee
as USTOA’s first woman Chairman will be Paula Twidale, executive vice
president, Collette, joined by: Dana Santucci, vice president of development,
EF Education First, as vice chair; Harry Dalgaard, president and founder,
Avanti Destinations, as treasurer; Charlie Ball, executive vice president, land
operations & customer service, Holland America Group, as secretary; and Jerre Fuqua, CTC, president, TRAVCOA and
YMT Vacations, as immediate past
chair.
“It is both an honor and
privilege to welcome Paula Twidale as Chairman of USTOA’s Executive Committee.
While the fact that she is our first female chairman is news, it’s secondary to
the person inhabiting the role and I speak for the entire membership in saying
we have an exemplary leader and motivator in Paula,†said Terry Dale, president
and CEO. “Overall, we’re fortunate to
have such a stellar group of professionals as our association’s guiding
lights.â€
Additionally, one new member
rounds-out USTOA’s 2016 Board of Directors, who include: (*indicates newly
elected)
-
Bob Drumm,
president, Alexander + Roberts
-
Dan Mahar,
CEO, Tauck
-
Olle
Olsson, executive chairman, Explorica, Inc.
-
Peter
Schaefer, general counsel, The Mark Travel Corporation & Affiliated
Companies
-
Linda
Springmann, vice president - Alaska marketing, Holland America Line
-
Scott
Wiseman, president of Cox & Kings, The Americas
-
Roger
Mahil, chairman & CEO, SITA World Tours
-
Scott
Nisbet, president & CEO, Globus Family of Brands
-
Bruce Hodge,
president, Goway Travel
-
Madhvi
Buch, CEO, Destination America*
For more information on USTOA,
visit www.ustoa.com, call 212.599.6599 or
email information@ustoa.com.
About
USTOA:
Representing more than $13.5
billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association
provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow nearly 8 million
travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value
and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire
globe. Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest
standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program,
which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of
business.
As a voice for the tour operator
industry for more than 40 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance
for consumers and travel agents.
Contact:
Gina
Dolecki/Liz Carty
Redpoint Marketing PR., Inc.
212-229-0119
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