NACTA, The National Association of Career Travel Agents, was established in 1986 as the original association with a mission to represent the interests of independent and home based travel entrepreneurs. Host travel agencies and Supplers who support this growing sector of the distribution channel are also members of NACTA.

NACTA continues its objective to promote the professionalism and recognition of this productive group of travel agents. However, the Association has recently expanded its role to focus on the development and training of it members, to enhance and secure their success in retail travel sales. Our new mission statement says it all:

The National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA) is the foremost Travel Industry Association dedicated to providing the finest education, training, networking and representation in support of Career Travel Agents.

Our Suppliers and Host Agency partners find NACTA members to have a strong reputation and are highly regarded as the best of the independent and home based agents. We work to provide an exceptional forum not only for members to network with each other but also for members to make connections and learn about our strategic partners.

NACTA is a wholly owned affiliate of ASTA, the American Society of Travel Agents. ASTA and NACTA, while separate associations, work to protect and enhance the entire retail distribution channel.

If you are serious about selling travel then you need to join the association that represents the best independent travel agents and strives to make them better, NACTA!

Ann van Leeuwen began her travel career in 1988 as a group sales agent with Holland America Line and assumed the role of Director of Sales-Premium Preferred Accounts in 1996. In 2000, she joined Virtuoso, Inc. as Director of Supplier Relations. In this role she negotiated cruise, tour and wholesaler contracts on behalf of the membership. In 2005, she was promoted to Managing Director, Member Sales and Development, where she was responsible for all aspects of agency sales for the company's Western Division. A year later, she was promoted to Vice President, Member Sales and Service, where she was responsible for the overall operation of Virtuoso's business development, marketing, sales operations and member services. Most recently, she worked for both Windstar Cruises and Alaskan Dream Cruises, where she carried out sales and incentive projects for Windstar's sales department and helped launch and brand Alaskan Dream Cruises with the travel agency community. Ann has earned Certified Travel Associate and Certified Travel Industry Executive certifications from The Travel Institute. She is also a Virgin Galactic Accredited Space Agent. She received her Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology from the University of Washington, Seattle. In 1998 and 1999, she was named Travel Agent Magazine's Rising Star, and in 1995, she was Holland America's Top Gun for exceptional sales performance.

NACTA@NACTA.com

Bob is NACTA’s Director of Industry Relations. His primary duties include working with & recruiting industry supplier members including Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Convention & Visitor Bureaus, and other allied industry suppliers. Bob also develops and organizes NACTA's Seminar at Sea & FAM program. Bob has been a successful home-based agent and has been involved in the travel industry for over 25 years, formerly owned a brick-and-mortar agency, a resident of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Bob was born & raised in the Philadelphia area. Bob also was the founder & former director of the South Florida Chapter.

RLDuglin@NACTA.com

Penney’s responsibilities include being the Chapter Director liaison, ongoing communications including meeting agenda, membership drives, retention and Development of Chapter Director Training Programs. Penney is also a large part of the Seminar at Sea Department, she builds the reservation pages for the Seminar at Sea and Land Fam programs, and handles the reservations from our members and guests. She also assists with Special Events for NACTA, helping with the National Convention, Destinationals, and our newest event…Travel TechFest. Penney started her travel career in 1996 working as an independent travel consultant, and eventually owning a boutique host travel agency. Believing that education is the foundation of success she has dedicated the past several years to facilitating seminars at sea, speaking at conferences, and leading workshops, as well as working with agents and agencies on various training programs. Personally she has competed CLIA’s ACC, MCC and ECC designations, and holds many other certifications. She has served many associations in the travel industry, including four years on the Travel Agent Advisory Board for CLIA, the NACTA advisory board and as the Travel Agent Liaison for ASK – Agents Sharing Knowledge. Penney currently writes a monthly column for the Agent@Home Magazine, titled Gadget Girl – offering advice and recommendations for current technology.

PRudicil@NACTA.com

Lisa Watson started with NACTA in 2008 and has had many different roles within the association. She has worked in the travel industry since 2004 and has worked for New Horizons Tour & Travel as a Tour Manager and at BCD Travel as a Project Manager for corporate meetings. In Lisa’s current role as the NACTA Director of Marketing and Special Events, she works with the NACTA supplier and host agency members. She is also responsible for implementing all of the marketing aspects of NACTA, including event planning for NACTA’s annual conference and other special events.

LWatson@NACTA.com

Arlyn King is the Membership Services Coordinator for NACTA. She has worked with various associations for more than 15 years and has worked almost every aspect of association life, including assisting members, managing member benefits, coordinating meetings, proofreading, website maintenance, and handling of the day-to-day activities that keeps the company running smoothly. Arlyn enjoys travel and has visited all 50 US states, and would love to see more!

AKing@NACTA.com