Most people in the travel industry have crossed paths with Terry Dale, who has served as the president and CEO of the U.S. Tour Operators Association (also known as USTOA) since 2011. But many may not know that although he currently resides in Brooklyn, N.Y., Dale’s roots are firmly planted in Brooklyn, Iowa, a town of 900 that served as the backdrop for his childhood on the Dale family farm.

In this episode of Humans of Travel, listeners will learn about Dale’s early vacations (to Iowa’s State Fair) and his entrance into the travel industry via an entry-level job with Cedar Rapids Tourism in Iowa. They’ll also hear about the career growing pains Dale faced as he hopped between tourism boards in the U.S. (including a tense run-in with the mayor of Providence, R.I.) and how he navigated 9/11 as the executive vice president of NYC & Co.

Finally, Dale will share more information about USTOA’s 50th Anniversary, and how the association and the traditional travel style of touring (what he calls the “T word”) has evolved since he joined the association.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA)

TravelAge West article on USTOA's 50th Anniversary

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. 

TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.