- About
- Philosophy
- The Impact
- Services
- Team
- References
- Affiiations
About IMPACT Tourism
LIVE IT, LOVE IT, LEAVE IT...ORIGINAL
That's our motto at IMPACT Tourism. Anytime we introduce something foreign to people, places or things, be it positive or negative, there are side effects. We understand this is true in travel, as it is anywhere else. So that is why we are compiling a careful list of boutique tourist lodges and operators across the globe that do their best to offset the negative impacts tourism might bring to their area.
Why? We want to make sure that what we see and experience can be seen again...years to come, in as similar and pristine a way as possible. On the flip side, we realize that the communities allowing us to experience a glimpse of their lives also deserve to access new knowledge and technology that will help them advance their local economies, industries and people. It is an enormously delicate balance, this one of tourism. It's never perfect; but that doesn't mean we should stop traveling...we simply need to be more aware of HOW we travel.
At IMPACT, we visit each destination and hand-select our partners. We do our best to work with resorts, lodges and tour operators that attempt to ensure three key components within their corporate mission: Sustainability in: the local environment and wildlife, local communities & cultures and local economies. These businesses work hard to minimize and lighten that impact on the destination and actively engage in activities to help weave local communities in managing tourism's impact on the area.
The Impact Philosophy
IMPACT Tourism provides tourism representation, travel marketing and public relations services to boutique in-bound tour operators and small, high-end eco-lodges and resorts around the world that understand the balance of travel and its impact on a destination.
At IMPACT we dedicate ourselves to best position your tourism organization within the American market. Our tourism representation is enhanced by our many years in the industry. Our team has years of experience working with tourism organizations globally to create meaningful and successful tourism marketing plans, branding strategies, tourism distribution development, travel agent education, public relations activities, and overall access to the American markets.
We help our clients build long-standing relationships with the top North and South American sellers of travel in a targeted approach. We will link you with the RIGHT distributors, not just ANY distributor, to help better expose your brand to American consumers in a positive way.
What is an IMPACT?
Many people have asked us what IMPACT stands for. We coined the term a few years back for a special type of traveler that seems to withstand the constant challenges that often plague our industry such as: fuel hikes, struggling economies, earthquakes, terrorism, strife, SARS, Bird Flu, well...we could go on…but we’re sure you get the drift.
IMPACT is an acronym for the:
- Individual
- Mature
- Philanthropic
- Active
- Conservation-focused
- Traveler
Services
Impact Tourism provides Marketing, Public Relations and Tourism Representation for boutique operators, small lodges/resorts and specialized cruise lines in North and South America.
We offer the following services:
- Tourism Representation
- Travel Marketing
- Travel & Tourism Public Relations
- Tourism Distribution Enhancement Strategies
- Travel Agent Fam Trips
- Tour Operator/Wholesaler Site Inspections
- Press Trips
- Roadshows/Sales Visits
- Niche Market Development
- Trade Show Management
- Tourism Organization & Market Consultation
Team
Maisa Fernandez - President / Chairman
Born a traveler and ever so curious about new surroundings, Maisa has loved the art of voyage since she was a young girl. Now with almost fifteen years in the travel industry, Maisa has dedicated herself to the betterment of tourism practices worldwide. Her passion lies in introducing travelers to special experiences that maintain the integrity and cultural sense of a destination; while also providing elements of surprise and allure along the way.
Maisa began her career at the famed Carlson Companies, Inc. in early 1998 working in Communication and Public Relations for the Carlson Wagonlit Travel Agency franchise where she was exposed to some of the biggest leaders in the industry.
References
James Haigh , East African Sales & Marketing Manager, Singita Game Reserves
"I've worked with Maisa in a number of capacities and know that her qualities and traits would be a great asset to a client. Great communicator, inquisitive, thoughtful and creative would all describe Maisa. Her ability to build and maintain relationships in a business environment are also solid characteristics. I'd definitely recommend Maisa wholeheartedly."
Shannon Stowell, President, Adventure Travel Trade Association
Affiliations
We are proud to be affiliated with some of the most well-regarded associations in travel and conservation.
Below you can find a list of those organizations that we serve in:
The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) - www.adventuretravel.biz
The Africa Travel Association (ATA) - www.africatravelassociation.org
The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) - www.apta.biz
The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) - www.africacncl.org
The International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF) - www.iccfoundation.us
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) - www.ties.org
The United States Tour Operator Association (USTOA) - www.ustoa.com
