Building Back!
While ATA’s study abroad division, CET Academic Programs, has managed to run many virtual and several on-site programs in 2020 and 2021, this fall season will see the most robust return to in-person programs since the beginning of the pandemic across the company. Chef Edward Lee led ATA’s first trip since March 2020—a Kentucky Bourbon experience that exceeded expectations! Here is one traveler’s testimonial: “The level of thought, passion and detail that goes into planning a trip like this is unparalleled. Every detail was well-planned, but there was also wiggle room for going with the wants and whims of the group. We had a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it was utterly incredible.”
In the coming weeks, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) head to the Netherlands and will lay a plaque in Amsterdam with the following inscription: “In Gratitude Of Dutch Support For The American Revolution.” Our very own Emma Impavido, Director of Educational Travel Programs, will personally manage the Italy culinary trip she designed called Dinner with Friends Abroad, led by Nancy Silverton, Ruth Reichl and Laurie Ochoa. This trip features a sought-after reservation and experience at Massimo Bottura’s country inn, just outside Modena, Casa Maria Luigia.
Finally, New York Times Journeys’ Behind the Scenes of New York Theater, hosted by Scott Heller, Deputy Arts & Leisure Editor of The New York Times, and designed and led by former casting director and current ATA Senior Program Manager Samantha Barrie, departs later this month! Our teams have renewed vigor as a glimpse of normalcy returns and the warm, fulfilling glow of providing enriching, educational experiences fills our hearts.
Our Newest Partners
National Public Radio Launches NPR Travels
ATA is thrilled to be working with National Public Radio on NPR Travels, created to connect listeners to each other and the world.
These immersive experiences, built with deep learning and joyful exploration at their core, will debut in 2022 with international trips to Iceland, Chile, the UK, and other countries. Closer-to-home destinations include Memphis, Nashville, and Yellowstone National Park. Please read the full press release here!
Repositioning the Great Courses’ Virtual Travel Content as Luxury Educational Experiences
Nothing Beats an In-Person Meeting
We have sorely missed—and even find ourselves craving—the meaningful, in-person interaction that has always been a cornerstone of our office culture. It is in that spirit that Kate Simpson, our President, and Chase Poffenberger, our Executive Vice President, set off on a road trip to Chautauqua, NY in August to meet their counterparts at The Chautauqua Institution, one of the company’s newest strategic partners.
Over the course of a few days, the “magic” of the historic, lakeside learning community became clear: the caliber of the speakers, the contemplative dimension of the environment, and the artistic “electricity” generated by gifted performers. All these qualities and more have kept generations of families coming back every summer. Kate and Chase had inspiring conversations with Emily Morris, Chief Brand Officer, and her team about how to embed Chautauqua’s core values into its travel programs, making them uniquely “Chautauquan” and differentiated in the marketplace.
As good relationships make good business, we can’t wait to introduce ourselves to other new partners we’ve only known virtually over the last year, as well as reconnect with those we’ve valued for decades.
