Steps to Success Testimonials
Scott Balyo, Executive Director, Capital Region USA
"Capital Region USA has made IITA's Steps to Success an annual component of our partner education program because it's critical our stakeholders understand how to price their products and promote their destinations to the international travel trade."
Alfredo Gonzalez, International Representative for Discover Long Island
"The Steps for Success program delivers a much-needed boost to the industry when it needs it the most. Jennifer Ackerson has been amazingly informative, and the panelists have delivered excellent information. The information we get from your receptive panelists helps us keep our partners up to date on rates, conditions, air service, packaging, etc. ... all essential ingredients in expanding our international programs.”
Michele Cota, Director, Discover New England
“The IITA Steps to Success program and ALON Tourism Solutions provided the blueprint, energy, and credibility to reengage our tourism supplier base for international travel. We were able to host a large hybrid session followed by two in-person workshops that, in total, reached about 300 businesses and organizations throughout New England. There’s still work to keep the momentum going, but this program provided the launchpad we needed.”
Leslie Womack, Director of Sales, Mayflower Park Hotel, Seattle, WA
“Steps to Success provides a comprehensive review of inbound travel to the US. If you are considering entering this market or expand your participation, IITA provides a great place to begin.”
Nora Campbell, Director of Sales, National Aquarium
“I am thrilled to be a new member of IITA. I joined after attending IITA’s Steps to Success program hosted by Capital Region USA and delivered by ALON. I realized that our organization has already laid a lot of the groundwork to engage with international visitors but needed an important connection to take our international business to the next level. I am enthusiastic about the learning opportunities and personal connections IITA will provide."
Barb Salg, Co-Owner, Sterling Ridge Resort LLC
“As a lodging property looking to attract international travelers to our location post-pandemic, I needed to understand more about how the complexities of the international travel trade worked. I learned about IITA’s Steps to Success program (delivered by ALON Tourism Solutions) through Discover New England and was immediately interested in this training opportunity. I found the training to be extremely useful, well organized, and presented in a logical, understandable manner. Jennifer is very knowledgeable and is an excellent resource (even after training completion). Everyone that I met and worked with was friendly, inclusive, and helpful. Training was delivered in an interactive format, with useful templates and materials provided for use during and after the class. It is clear that this is a top-notch organization that understands and is dedicated to supporting and growing the international travel trade in the US. I highly recommend this program to anyone who truly wants to be a part of this important travel sector!”
Rafael Villanueva, CEO, Travel Nevada
"Working with Inbound Operators has been a cornerstone of Las Vegas's success, and we recognized the need to extend these benefits to the rest of Nevada. Introducing IITA's Steps to Success program, developed in collaboration with ALON Tourism Solutions, was a pivotal step in this direction. While we’ve only introduced the program, the initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing our belief in its potential. We are excited to take the next step in ensuring that all of Nevada can harness the power of this program to achieve sustained growth and success."
Todd Davidson, CEO, Travel Oregon
“Without the knowledge of the buying chain, working with international tour operators can feel overwhelming for suppliers. The IITA Steps to Success program gave our industry partners a clear understanding of how to work with international operator partners and helped prepare them to welcome international visitors. The program is interactive and fun, and we appreciate knowing our suppliers are ready for increased international visitation.”
Tony Lyle, Executive Director, Visit Galveston
“The Steps-to-Success program provided invaluable insights for our stakeholders, particularly in the lodging sector, on navigating the complexities of the international travel trade. The sessions offered clear guidance on product pricing, distribution channels, and market trends, equipping participants with the tools to expand their reach effectively. This program fostered a renewed sense of collaboration and opportunity within our community. It has laid a strong foundation for our destination to better position itself for global audiences, driving future growth and success. We’re excited to see the lasting impact it will have on our partners and the destination.”
Kelly M. Defebo Harb, CMP, VP, Marketing & Communications, Visit Sarasota County
“The International Inbound Travel Association (IITA) is revolutionizing the travel industry with its Steps to Success program. This unique initiative equips Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and suppliers with unparalleled resources to attract and cater to international visitors. By offering comprehensive training and support, IITA empowered our DMO- along with our restaurant, lodging, and attraction partners to compete on a global stage and ensuring we are fully prepared for industry events like IPW. The program's success is a testament to IITA's commitment to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of the travel sector. As a small DMO, I could not do the work that I do without IITA supporting me every step of the way.”
Mindy Shea, Director, International Sales, Visit Savannah
“If you want to learn more about attracting and working with international travelers, there’s no better way than with Steps to Success. The program was vital for educating our hospitality partners about the opportunities for occupancy and revenue growth. I highly recommend it for any destination!”
Liz Johnson, Senior Director, Tourism Development, Visit Seattle
“As our local tourism industry continues to recover, there are new businesses and new faces who may not have had previous experience with travel trade. The Steps to Success program is key for getting everyone on the same page and preparing our members to work with inbound operators. The education provides expertise and learnings that can be applied to any of our partners, large and small.
