The late Bob Whitley, whose career in the tourism industry spanned more than 40 years, will be honored this year with NTA’s prestigious Pioneer Award — commemorating individuals whose accomplishments in travel result in noteworthy change and progress.
Whitley, in addition to having won numerous awards for his work in the travel industry — including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 from Travel Weekly — held the position of USTOA president for 32 years.
Also being honored for his accomplishments is John Stachnik of Mayflower Tours who will receive the Bob Everidge Lifetime Achievement Award.
Stachnik, who began his career in 1966, co-founded a Midwestern regional tour company only four years later and, along with his wife Mary, established Mayflower Tours in 1979.
“There is no one more deserving of the Pioneer Award than my dear friend Bob Whitley. It will be our honor to present the award to his family at our convention in November,” said NTA president Lisa Simon. “It will be especially memorable to also honor John Stachnik at the same time. John is a long-time member and past president of NTA and the current USTOA chairman. He really stepped in to manage the organization after Bob’s untimely passing. John’s tireless work for NTA and USTOA is something we are all thankful for.”
