TERRY DALE SIGNS NEW TWO-YEAR
CONTRACT AS USTOA PRESIDENT AND CEO
Terry Dale
NEW YORK – September 29, 2025 – Dana Santucci, executive vice president at EF Education First and chairman of the United States Tour Operators Association’s (USTOA) Board of Directors, announced that Terry Dale has signed a new two-year contract extending his role as president and CEO of the association through 2028. Dale began as president in January 2011 and assumed the additional role of chief executive officer in January 2013.
“On behalf of the executive committee, board of directors, and all members, I want to recognize Terry’s unparalleled leadership of USTOA,” said Santucci. “His innovative vision and unwavering commitment have transformed the association’s influence within the global travel and tourism industry. Through Terry's efforts, USTOA’s voice is stronger, our members are better supported, and the path forward is clear and brighter than ever.”
During Dale’s tenure, USTOA has expanded government advocacy, advanced marketing initiatives, and deepened its commitment to responsible travel, all while strengthening relationships with travel and tourism leaders worldwide. Under his leadership, the organization launched impactful initiatives, including the award-winning Sustainability is Responsibility (SIR) Summit. Another hallmark is the annual USTOA Congressional Caucus, now in its 13th year, which unites Active and Associate Members in Washington, DC, to meet with elected officials and address issues affecting the industry.
Other key achievements include the successful Annual Conference & Marketplace, already sold out for 2025, and the biannual PwC USTOA Member Economic Survey, serving as a cornerstone for industry insight, engagement, and growth. Most recently, Dale helped form the Beyond Borders Tourism Coalition in early 2025, bringing together ten associations from the U.S. and Canada to address challenges stemming from current trade and border-crossing policies.
Dale has served as a global ambassador for the association, representing USTOA on international stages and delivering keynote addresses around the world at major events in China, Tanzania, Colombia, Jordan, Israel, Chile, and beyond.
“It’s an honor, both personally and professionally, to continue to lead USTOA,” said Dale. “I’m grateful for the trust of our members, executive committee, and board, and I’m inspired every day by the dedication of our team. Together, we’ll keep turning challenges into opportunities that make USTOA stronger and that move the global travel industry forward.”
For more information on USTOA, visit www.ustoa.com.
About USTOA:
Representing $24.4 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow 8.4 million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value, and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business. As a voice for the tour operator industry for more than 50 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel advisors.
Press Contacts:
Gina Dolecki/Gabrielle Naucke
Redpoint
212-229-0119
dolecki@redpointmarketingpr.com /naucke@redpointmarketingpr.com
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