Dear Travel Collegue,

When people ask me to describe Travel Alliance Partners, LLC , or TAP as we are known, I receive one of three reactions.

The First is a smile and an affirmation that we are onto something, that our business plan and process makes sense, and that this is the next step in the development of sustainable tourism marketing. 

The Second reaction is just a blank stare.  This is mostly from tourism people who don't understand partnerships and want to do business "the old way".  They do not understand the basic marketing concept that it is good for Burger King to build across from McDonalds.  TAP operators want and need their fellow partner to be successful and work together for that goal.

The Third (and most frustrating) reaction is one of jealousy and envy.  "Who the heck do you think you guys are?"   It is a shame that these tour industry people don't want to learn more about how THEIR business can increase.  TAP is NOT a closed shop!  We welcome successful, non competing, organizations to join us for the common good and increased sales.

Lets face it.  Group travel is harder work today then it was 15 years.  The TAP operators have found a business plan that rewards working together, taking a little less profit per passenger, and increasing the number of passengers on their programs.  They have found a way to work with tour suppliers as "Partners" versus "Servants".  They have found a business plan that is unique and aggressive, yet civil to the industry.

Please join us.  Ask how you can be involved. 

Sincerely,

James J. Palmeri, Executive Director

jpalmeri@travelalliancepartners.com

TAP FACTS

Travel Alliance Partners, LLC is a partner-owned organization of the 34 premiere tour operators in the United States and Canada. Each is a regional expert with new and unique itineraries. Each Partner operates under the highest standards for business ethics and product quality. Partners purchase products in a profitable fashion, pass the savings on to the consumers and increase market share with key suppliers.

Guaranteed Departures

TAP partners have GUARANTEED the departures of 75 tours thoroughout the world.  No longer does anyone have to have any concern about passenger counts.  If a group falls a little short of their goal, no problem.  Our partners will guarantee that the tour will operate.  See all the tours listed on this website or request a printed catalog.

Marketing Partnerships

Developing joint marketing opportunities and sharing best business practices in an environment of mutual trust. is a key component to the success of each partner. Currently, through partner efforts, passenger counts and tour revenue has increased for the Five states that represent our Tap into Southern Treasures program.   Check it out at www.tapintosoutherntreasures.com

 Geographic Balance of Officers

Officers
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

Chair, Legal/Membership Committee
Richard Durgan, Durgan Travel, Stoneham, MA          Email: rdurgan@durgantravel.com

Chair, Cruise Committee
Robert Buesing, East Coast Touring Co, Easton, PA         Email: bbuesing@eastcoasttouring.com

Chair, Product Committee:
Clayton Whitehead, Sports Leisure Vacations, Sacramento, CA           Email: clayton@sportsleisure.com