“Established in 1983, National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is an annual tradition to celebrate the U.S. travel community and travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day.” – U.S. Travel Association
At Miles, our passion for travel (and the force for good that it is) is a part of what we do every day. So, to mark the close of the 40th National Travel & Tourism Week, we sat down with some of our team members to learn more about what excites them about this industry, travel and the future.
Elena Prostova is the Vice President of New Businesss Development & Creative Director. She has been with Miles for more than 22 years.
Why did you choose to work in the travel industry?
“The passion and positivity directly associated with travel make working in this industry emotionally rewarding, while the many benefits of travel to local communities and economies make working in travel a job with true purpose and impact. When somebody asks you about what you do for a living, telling them about working in the travel industry always gets a positive endorsement and a fair deal of jealousy. I also love the endless variety that the travel industry and destinations offer; it’s never the same day at the office.”
What is your favorite thing about travel?
“It’s hard to single one out, but if I have to, it would be getting out of your comfort zone. Traveling to new places with new cultures and languages is a great mix of stress and excitement, and in the process, it changes your perceptions, inspires you to bring back new ideas ranging from recipes to interior design tips and makes you more appreciative of differences. Travel to me equals growth, and it was always amazing to literally observe how traveling with my kids, especially when they were younger, made them grow and mature at triple speed while we were on vacations."
Part of NTTW is looking to the future and moving #TravelForward. What excites you about the future of travel and tourism?
“The overall appreciation of travel as a force for good, individual well-being and economic growth is a magnificent combination that not many industries can claim. I’m excited about the continued priority that travel holds in people’s lives as well as about many positive changes that travel industry is spearheading at the moment."
Juan Vargas recently joined the team as DEI Account Director and brings extensive experience in relationship management.
Why did you choose to work in the travel industry?
“I joined this industry because of the immense impact it has on the well-being of others."
What is your favorite thing about travel?
“The experience. Within my work with Miles, it’s about being able to build opportunities for connection and new experiences for others. Outside of work (as a traveler), I love that travel leads to experiences that become memories.
Connection is so critical to travel. As a first-generation American, I have faced the challenge of connecting at times. But in my experience, culture (made accessible through travel) is an amazing way to connect. Travel allows you to see, feel and hear how others live.”
Part of NTTW is looking to the future and moving #TravelForward. What excites you about the future of travel and tourism?
“I’m excited about emerging opportunities to connect others with life changing experiences. Personally, I’m excited to further the representation of different communities in conversations around travel and tourism and bring my thoughts and perspective relative to the communities I belong to.”
Lauren Fox is the Marketing Manager at Miles and has been part of the team for the last six years.
Why did you choose to work in the travel industry?
“I ended up in the travel industry by chance; Miles was my first job after college that I stumbled upon through an Indeed listing. At that time, I didn't have a deep understanding about this side of travel and tourism. So while it wasn't a direct choice initially, I intentionally choose to continue working in the industry because the level of innovation, passion and creativity throughout it is so apparent. It makes it an easy choice to show up and find ways to be better.”
What is your favorite thing about travel?
“Experiencing something new. No material thing even comes close to the feeling of seeing a place you want to visit, feeling inspired, researching and planning, and then traveling and experiencing that new place, its culture, community and the aspects that make it so unique. The thrill of getting off a plane (or out of a car) in a brand new place will never get old.”
Part of NTTW is looking to the future and moving #TravelForward. What excites you about the future of travel and tourism?
“The industry-wide growth and change I've seen in the last six years makes me excited to see what the next six hold. I love seeing what destination or organization will be the next "first" to do something, the one to push the boundary. There's also a strong focus on community continuing to emerge, which I think will really shift priorities for us as marketers to think about places in a more wholistic way.”
During this week and beyond, we’re proud to be part of an industry that inspires travel!
