Travel Alliance Partners continues to grow by welcoming 3 new tour operators into the company bringing the total of participating partners to 33 premier tour operators of North America. This elite group includes current and past National Tour Association Presidents and board members, officers of the American Bus Association and the Student and Youth Tourism Association; an endorsement of TAP’s novel business model and philosophy of partnership and innovation.  The newest additions to Travel Alliance Partners, LLC include Larry Larson of Ed-Ventures, David Burns of All American Tours and Bob Cline of U.S. Tours.

The additions were approved by the board and unanimously supported by TAP Founding Partners.  TAP President, Serge Talbot said “We are delighted to be welcoming these three tour operators to the TAP organization.  The growth of our company is exciting!  In TAP we subscribe to the philosophy, that “a high tide raises all boats”, and we welcome these like-minded professionals on board.  This marks a turning point in the industry and signals an era of collaboration that hasn’t previously existed in our industry.  Buying and selling from each other, cross promotion, sharing ideas and best practices are the foundation of TAP.  We strengthen our own companies by eliminating tour cancellations and creating buying efficiencies.”

The process of adding additional tour operators to TAP is stringent. Jim Palmeri, Managing Director oversees the application, screening and acceptance process. Palmeri explained “We want to be sure that our company grows in the right ways; to benefit all operators and ultimately the consumer.  Each prospective partner must be recommended by a TAP founding partner; the application is reviewed and voted on by the entire founding membership.  Our goal is to diversify regionally and through our tours to build the most compelling and dynamic product available.”

Bob Cline, TAP’s newest member states “I am delighted to be a part of this company.  TAP’s innovation and professionalism set them apart from other travel groups and consortiums.  “U.S. Tours looks forward to new opportunities as a TAP team member, we feel this association will help us increase both our sales and our bottom line.”

TAP will officially welcome the newest partners at their annual conference, TAP Dance held in Girdwood, Alaska an appropriate setting for pioneers of all kinds.