News

TAP to Expand Staff in the Tourism Industry

Gilbert, Arizona (April 22, 2009)

The Travel Alliance Partners, LLC (TAP) continues to grow steadily and has recently announced their expansion by advertising for the hiring of an Executive Director of Sales and Marketing. The new position, which will entail a full spectrum of responsibilities including overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company, will be selected as a result of a Request for Proposal that is currently available from TAP headquarters.

“Managing Director James J. Palmeri has been an asset to TAP since his arrival in 2005. We are excited about the direction he, together with the officers and board of directors, have established in the unprecedented growth of our organization. It is in that spirit of moving forward that we are asking Jim to take a more strategic role in the expansion of our development, while relieving him of the day to day operational nuances. In that effort, we are advertising for a new Executive Director of Sales and Marketing which will have a full spectrum of responsibilities including the daily operation of the organization with an added emphasis on sales and marketing. ” said Fred Standeven, Vice President of Legal/Membership.

“We are so excited to see this next step in our evolution. TAP is now proceeding very well from our organizational thru structural and now full-fledged sales and marketing stages. Sales have continued to grow, contrary to the struggles of many companies in the tourism industry. This partnership concept, started by our visionary founder, board and partners, has now shown great resilience in this current economic climate and has made the difference between flourishing and existing. I applaud the decision to bring on this expanded organizational structure.” announced Jim Palmeri, current Managing Director.

TAP (Travel Alliance Partners, LLC) is a partner-owned organization of 34 premier tour operators in the United States and Canada. The company continues to stride forward according to its business philosophy of networking by establishing partnerships based in respect, reciprocity and reward. Through the use of imagination, energy, and experience TAP continues to engineer projects and partnerships with many professional networks.

Qualified applicants or management companies can request an RFP by emailing Fred Standeven at freds@acttours.com. For more information on TAP please visit www.travelalliancepartners.com

“Established in 2001, TAP is an LLC company for successful travel professionals who understand the value of collaboration and profitability. Travel Alliance Partners innovative business model is the first and only company of its kind that provides quality consumer experiences through exceptional partnerships based in respect, reciprocity and reward.”

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TAP Dance 2009 hosted by Rapid City, SD

Travel Alliance Partners, LLC, (TAP) is very proud to announce our association with Rapid City, SD and to be hosted by a great venue.

Building on the success of previous years, this TAP DANCE has enhancements that will create even higher Returns on Investment for all partners:

1. In addtion to meeting over 80% of all partners in 25 minute meetings, there will be an educational component that will help destinations work better with all partners and to expand opportunities and increase business.
2. More time to network during social events versus scheduled meetings.

3. More direct contact with Tour Operator decision makers.

In a recent survey, over 86% of all attendees indicated they would definitely return for another year of TAP DANCE, If invited, to continue their relationship building with this prestigious group of tour operators.

TAP is very excited by the warm reception that we have received from our hosts in Rapid City and hope that each delegate will be excited as we are to explore this vibrant area of the United States.

Travel Alliance Partners Welcomes New Tour Operators

Newton, Massachusetts - May 22, 2008 - Travel Alliance Partners, LLC (TAP) marks growth by welcoming 3 new tour operators to the company!

Travel Alliance Partners continues to grow by welcoming 3 new tour operators into the company bringing the total of participating partners to 33 premier tour operators of North America. This elite group includes current and past National Tour Association Presidents and board members, officers of the American Bus Association and the Student and Youth Tourism Association; an endorsement of TAP’s novel business model and philosophy of partnership and innovation. The newest additions to Travel Alliance Partners, LLC include Larry Larson of Ed-Ventures, David Burns of All American Tours and Bob Cline of U.S. Tours.

The additions were approved by the board and unanimously supported by TAP Founding Partners. TAP President, Serge Talbot said “We are delighted to be welcoming these three tour operators to the TAP organization. The growth of our company is exciting! In TAP we subscribe to the philosophy, that “a high tide raises all boats”, and we welcome these like-minded professionals on board. This marks a turning point in the industry and signals an era of collaboration that hasn’t previously existed in our industry. Buying and selling from each other, cross promotion, sharing ideas and best practices are the foundation of TAP. We strengthen our own companies by eliminating tour cancellations and creating buying efficiencies.”

The process of adding additional tour operators to TAP is stringent. Jim Palmeri, Managing Director oversees the application, screening and acceptance process. Palmeri explained “We want to be sure that our company grows in the right ways; to benefit all operators and ultimately the consumer. Each prospective partner must be recommended by a TAP founding partner; the application is reviewed and voted on by the entire founding membership. Our goal is to diversify regionally and through our tours to build the most compelling and dynamic product available.”

Bob Cline, TAP’s newest member states “I am delighted to be a part of this company. TAP’s innovation and professionalism set them apart from other travel groups and consortiums. “U.S. Tours looks forward to new opportunities as a TAP team member, we feel this association will help us increase both our sales and our bottom line.”

TAP will officially welcome the newest partners at their annual conference, TAP Dance held in Girdwood, Alaska an appropriate setting for pioneers of all kinds.

“Established in 2001, TAP is an LLC company for successful travel professionals who understand the value of collaboration and profitability. Travel Alliance Partners innovative business model is the first and only company of its kind that provides quality consumer experiences through exceptional partnerships based in respect, reciprocity and reward.”

TRAVEL ALLIANCE PARTNERS Announces new Appointments

Travel Alliance Partners, LLC (TAP) ended 2007 by establishing a strong foundation for growth in 2008.

At the Annual Partner Meeting of Travel Alliance Partners, LLC (TAP) held at the Gaylord Conference Center in Grapevine, Texas, thirty (30) of TAP’s founding partners, representing the premier tour operators of North America met to review the accomplishments of 2007 and to plan for strategic success in 2008. This elite group includes current and past National Tour Association board members and officers of the American Bus Association and the Student and Youth Tourism Association; an endorsement of TAP’s novel business model and philosophy of partnership and innovation .

First order of business was to name new Executive Officers.

TAP’s officers for 2008/2009 are:

Serge Talbot, Talbot Tours, San Jose, CA President
Kate Scopetti, Mid Atlantic Receptive, Arlington, VA Vice President of Marketing
Robert Buesing, East Coast Touring Co, Easton, PA Vice President of Cruise/ Special Projects
Clayton Whitehead, Sports Leisure Vacations, Sacramento, CA Vice President of Products
Richard Durgan, Durgan Travel, Stoneham, MA Vice President of Legal and Membership
Corey Marshall, Anderson Vacations, Calgary, AB Treasurer
David Lange, Tri-State Travel, Galena, IL Secretary
Fred Standeven, A.C.T. Tours, Waterloo, ON At-Large Director
Ann Thomas, Western Discovery, Reno, NV At-Large Director

Corey Marshall and Ann Thomas are new members of the Board of Directors.
Cory Marshall is President and CEO of Anderson Vacations located in Calgary, CA. Corey has been active in the Travel Industry Since 1994 and has served on the NTA Leadership Board Member NTA Board,
SKAL Calgary board member, Southern Alberta Industry of Technology (SAIT) Leadership Board and was the SAIT Leadership Board Chair in 2005 – 2006. Corey is known as a Specialist in strategic cooperative marketing programs/ organizational and business development in the Tourism Industry.

Ann Thomas is the owner/manager of Western Discovery, LLC in Reno, NV. Ann brings a diverse background to her
Company and a passion for the creative opportunities that this type of tour business brings. Ann also is very involved with the National Tour Association and served as the 2005 Chairman of the Board and CEO for that organization. She has also been involved with the Reno-Tahoe Territory Tourism organization and is the recipient of two Voluntourism Awards from the State of Nevada.

President Talbot stated “The activities and accomplishment of this conference are significant; we are cementing dynamic partnerships and establishing a foundation of professionals that represent forward thinking in the industry. Mr. Palmeri’s new title, Managing Director reflects our progressive business model as do the newest additions of Director of Marketing Kim Stever and Director of Sales Sue Arko to spearhead our sales and marketing initiatives.”

Also on the conference agenda were agreements with IHG and Costa Cruise Lines; two international industry giants joining TAP to reshape the industry and move market-share. Once again, TAP blazes new trails in the tourism industry, raising the bar to instill quality and profitability.

Established in 2001, TAP is an LLC company for successful travel professionals who understand the value of collaboration and profitability. Travel Alliance Partners innovative business model is the first and only company of its kind that provides quality consumer experiences through exceptional partnerships based in respect, reciprocity and reward.”