USTOA Honors Alison Atkinson and B Lavornia as 2024 Future Lights for Leadership in Sustainability and DEI

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The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) has proudly announced the recipients of the 2024 USTOA Future Lights of the Tour Industry, recognizing outstanding contributions to sustainability and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) within the travel sector. This year’s honorees, Alison Atkinson of Avanti Destinations and B Lavornia of WorldStrides, are celebrated for their innovative efforts to drive positive change within their companies and the broader communities they serve.

Launched in 2022 during USTOA’s 50th anniversary, the Future Lights of the Tour Industry program invites tour operator members to nominate coworkers who have made significant impacts in advancing sustainability and DEI initiatives. The 2024 Future Lights were selected based on their commitment to these vital issues, reflecting the travel industry’s growing focus on creating a more responsible and equitable future.

Honoring Industry Leaders:

• Alison Atkinson, Commercial Director and Executive Team Member at Avanti Destinations:
  Alison Atkinson has been instrumental in integrating sustainability into Avanti Destinations’ business practices. Through her leadership, the Avanti Footprint initiative was introduced, highlighting sustainable products and fostering the Avanti Footprint Foundation, which supports local projects aimed at enhancing the circular economy. Alison has also evolved Avanti’s partnerships with product suppliers by incorporating Business Impact Assessment requirements, with future goals including achieving company-wide certification for sustainability practices.
• B Lavornia, Senior Region and Account Manager at WorldStrides:
  B Lavornia has made a profound impact on DEI within WorldStrides, overseeing participant enrollment in Higher Education programs and co-chairing the DEI Higher Education Committee. B designed training courses on diversity, equity, accessibility, justice, and belonging, creating a framework for cultural competency. As a founding member of WorldStrides’ PRIDE Employee Resource Groups, B has been a key advocate for the LGBTQ2SIA+ community and served as a subject matter expert on the company’s Accessibilities Team, contributing significantly to the organization’s DEI initiatives.

Recognition and Celebration:

USTOA President and CEO Terry Dale expressed his admiration for the honorees, stating, “It is such an honor to welcome Alison and B as USTOA Future Lights of the Tour Industry. These two individuals exemplify the creative drive and initiative needed to guide our industry towards a more sustainable and equitable future for us all.”

Dale also acknowledged the exceptional nominations received from USTOA’s Active Tour Operator Members, highlighting the proactive role the industry is playing in embracing sustainability and DEI. The 2024 Future Lights will be formally recognized during the USTOA Annual Conference and Marketplace, set to take place in Marco Island, FL, from December 9-13, 2024.

The judging panel for the awards included prominent industry figures such as Emma Cottis of Goway Travel, Derek Hydon of MaCher, Greg Takehara of Tourism Cares, and Kelly P. Sahner of Trip Mate. Sahner congratulated the honorees, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in sustainability and DEI initiatives across the industry.