AFAR Media, America’s most critically acclaimed travel media company, announced today its selection of 12 global visionaries for the 2019 Travel Vanguard awards. In their fourth year, the Travel Vanguard awards recognize the work of individuals who are making our world a better place through the transformational power of travel.
Launched in 2016, the Travel Vanguard has grown into a community of leaders who inspire and help one another to pursue the common goal of turning travel into a force for good. AFAR gathers this community each year in New York City not only to celebrate, but also to share ideas. Says Cofounder Joe Diaz: “There is nothing more powerful than uniting visionaries around a common goal and shared values to rise above the fray and help others do the same.”
Jennifer Flowers, AFAR’s Deputy Editor and lead editor for AFAR Vanguard, reflected on the 2019 award recipients. “I’m delighted to welcome this year’s group of visionaries into AFAR’s Travel Vanguard. Their dedication, focus, and ability to make a positive impact in the world is work well worth celebrating, and sharing with our larger community, which includes the world’s best and most influential travelers.”
AFAR’S 2019 Travel Vanguard:
Shannon Stowell—CEO, Adventure Travel Trade Association
Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch—Cofounders, Roman and Williams Building and Interiors
Christian de Boer and Dean McLachlan—Cofounders, Refill the World
Carmen Yulín Cruz Soto—Mayor, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Kristine McDivitt Tompkins—Cofounder, Tompkins Conservation and former CEO of Patagonia
Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst—Cofounders, AmaWaterways
Fred Swaniker—Founder, African Leadership University
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo—President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises
Ben Minicucci—President and COO of Alaska Airlines
AFAR’s stories about these visionaries and change makers can be found in AFAR magazine’s November/December 2019 issue, as well as on AFAR.com here: https://www.afar.com/vanguard-2019
AFAR will celebrate the Travel Vanguard in an invitation-only event on October 3, 2019, in New York City. The celebration will culminate in a party and silent auction benefiting AFAR’s non-profit, Learning AFAR. Check out the live event on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/AfarMedia/posts/10157269286237199?__tn__=-R-R
“When we launched AFAR 10 years ago, we believed we could make a positive impact on the world by inspiring and guiding people to have deeper, richer, and more fulfilling travel experiences. One of the best things we’ve been able to do since then is connect with others who share that vision,” says AFAR Cofounder Greg Sullivan.