Building the Future of Travel

The first official meeting was held in 1966, under the leadership of founding President Ernie Lara of Travel Wise.

From its inception, the association established a structured framework, holding regular monthly meetings and maintaining active board governance.

In its early years, the association maintained specific membership standards to ensure industry representation and balance.

Membership required that at least 51% of participants be travel agents. If a non-travel agent applicant would cause that percentage to fall below the threshold, their membership would be deferred until balance was restored.

Additionally, no more than three members from the same company were permitted, and prospective members were required to attend three meetings prior to acceptance, reinforcing a culture of commitment and engagement.

The first fifteen years of the association were marked by strong growth and success.

Meetings regularly attracted between 150 and 200 attendees, with a membership base largely composed of agency owners and industry leaders.

Education and industry exposure have always been central to the association’s mission.

Beginning in 1972, the association organized numerous familiarization (FAM) trips for its members, providing valuable international experience and direct destination knowledge.

Early trips included Curacao and Peru, followed by destinations such as Mexico City, Barbados, Panama, Santiago, Paris, Yugoslavia, Buenos Aires, London, and Margarita Island.

In more recent years, members have participated in FAM experiences to destinations such as Taiwan and the Philippines.

Building on this momentum and continued growth, in 1982 the association launched the SKI FAIR, which quickly became one of the largest ski trade shows in the country.

Hosted at the Omni Hotel on Biscayne Boulevard, the event featured approximately 100 exhibitor booths and attracted over 1,000 travel professionals from across South Florida.

The SKI FAIR became a major annual event for several years. However, following the impact of Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the event was significantly downsized and was eventually discontinued.

Throughout its history, the association has taken great pride in its annual installation of officers and board members.

These events were often grand affairs, hosted at prominent hotels and country clubs across South Florida, with formal attire and strong industry participation, reflecting the professionalism and prestige of the organization.

The continued success of TIA is the result of the dedication and leadership of its past presidents, board members, and volunteers, whose commitment has shaped the association into a respected and enduring organization.

Today, TIA has evolved from its local roots into a growing national association, connecting travel professionals across the United States.

While maintaining strong ties with South Florida, the organization has expanded its reach to serve a broader community of travel advisors and industry partners nationwide.

As the industry continues to evolve, TIA remains committed to its founding mission: bringing together travel professionals, fostering collaboration, and advancing the travel industry for future generations.