ABOUT THE AMERICAN TOUR ASSOCIATION
From a printed plannerto a world of possibilities.
The American Tour Association began with one simple purpose: to help tour operators create memorable journeys.
The inspiration came from its future founder, a tour operator in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, who noticed that too many itineraries followed the same familiar routes. He believed there was far more to offer travelers than the same destinations, the same stops, and the same experiences.
Determined to discover what others were overlooking, he traveled extensively into Mexico, one of his principal tour destinations. There, he found remarkable places beyond the usual tourist routes and began weaving them into his itineraries. Travelers embraced these discoveries, helping him quickly become one of the most successful tour operators in Texas.
As the business grew, so did the search. He sent scouts to other parts of the world to uncover distinctive sights, fascinating places, and experiences worth sharing. What began as a way to improve his own tours developed into a broader effort: creating destination guides that helped international visitors explore the United States and American travelers discover the world.
With the help of early collaborators, this research took shape in a series of printed guides published beginning in 1989 under the name Group Tour Digest. These guides introduced tour operators to places beyond the familiar attractions, giving them fresh ideas for journeys their travelers would remember. Early efforts to bring the guides online were held back by the technical limitations of the time.
Today, we are proud to bring that original vision to life online. Our vacation planner puts decades of exploration and discovery at your fingertips, helping you find extraordinary places, from celebrated sights to overlooked treasures, and create a journey all your own.
So, pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and set off on your next adventure – what are you waiting for? Incredible sights and adventures are only a decision away.
I wish you a fun filled and exciting journey. Stay Safe!
