The National Tour Association (NTA) will give two industry innovators, Holland America Line's Kirk Lanterman and Tauck Tours' Arthur C. Tauck Jr., its 2008 Pioneer Awards. The award honors individuals whose accomplishments have resulted in a significant change in the travel industry that benefited NTA and its members.
Lanterman led Holland America Line in its growth from a three-ship operation to one of the largest cruise companies in the world, with bookings of more than $1 billion annually. Tauck expanded his father's small tour business--a company offering six itineraries on the East Coast--into Tauck World Discovery, which moves tens of thousands of luxury travelers to more than 60 countries every year.
"These two industry icons exemplify the spirit of NTA," said NTA's chairman and CEO, Bob Hoelscher. "They are progressive, creative and dynamic individuals who have kept their fingers on the pulse of this changing industry, and that has made them into the visionaries they are." The Pioneer Awards will be presented April 4 during the NTA Tour Operator Spring Meet in Uncasville, CT. Visit http://www.ntaonline.com. (GD)