As you may think, now we have a wealthy assortment of tales from this firm going again to the Nineteen Twenties. Of all the gems in our archives, this message has all the time resonated probably the most with me. Written close to one century in the past, it speaks to a “hope” and “dream” for methods to construct an organization over time, targeted on the “proper” values – offering a high-quality expertise that fosters loyalty and belief, bringing repeat and referred prospects over time. But, that is extremely tough to maintain; if it have been straightforward, everybody would do it. New managers, new methods to adapt to a difficult setting, and the strain of short-term targets can influence a corporation’s capability to Construct a Following. As we enter our second century in only a few months, this perception stays central to our philosophy and enterprise mannequin. We’re proud to maintain Arthur Tauck Sr.’s dream: In 2024, roughly 55% of our visitors are repeat vacationers, with greater than 30% coming as referrals from these loyal visitors. Typically, issues can really feel “old school,” but they’re as timeless and related as ever as we step into our second century.
New Eras at Tauck
We gathered just lately for our annual Fall Firm Assembly. Three generations of the Tauck household have been current, together with our Board of Administrators and roughly 350 of our house workplace crew. Our theme this yr was “Eras,” as now we have a number of vital milestones to acknowledge right now – some signify endings, and others, new beginnings.
One period is transferring to our 2nd century – one thing that so few corporations can expertise, and a possibility we worth and respect deeply. A second period is marked by a brand new strategic plan that can information us via 2026-2030. And at last, we celebrated a number of new management eras:
- After a rewarding 18 years as CEO, I’ve moved to a brand new function as Chairman of our Board.
- Our President of 13 years, Jennifer Tombaugh, is now CEO.
- Jeremy Palmer, who has been with Tauck since 2007, is now President.
- Two members of our administration crew have been promoted to our Government Group.
- Arthur Tauck Jr. is now Chairman, Emeritus.
These modifications, a end result of considerate planning, allow us to maneuver via future eras with outstanding calm and confidence, and for this, we’re so grateful.
Tauck at 100 & Shifting Ahead
Our firm possesses a singular power. There are occasions after I observe folks strolling by my workplace, or after I stroll by convention rooms and see our crew in conferences. I’m wondering what they’re fascinated by or planning. There’s all the time a way of objective and drive right here. For the reason that flip of the century, this crew has completed a lot:
- We constructed the world’s first multi-generational household journey model targeted on delivering “shared enrichment” for households by managing the logistical parts to allow deeper bonds amongst a number of generations of relations.
- We developed a long-time partnership with a famend European household, and have constructed probably the most beautiful fleet of riverboats – combining our century-long vacation spot experience with an all-inclusive river expertise guided by Tauck Administrators and stuffed with experiences that deliver our visitors nearer to every vacation spot.
- We’re excited to be launching two new riverboats for 2026, with a number of extra deliberate for later within the decade.
- In partnership with one other family-owned firm, we launched six new explorer vessels, enabling extra selection and itineraries on land and sea than ever earlier than – all grounded in vacation spot exploration.
- And, our conviction that “small is massive” has impacted almost all our experiences on land, river, and oceans worldwide, permitting for higher personalization and deeper connections in each place we journey.
And we’re simply getting began in century two. Jennifer and Jeremy, together with our senior management crew and members from throughout the corporate, have been working to create a imaginative and prescient for Tauck at 105, in addition to preliminary concepts for Tauck at 115 (the yr 2040). There’s nice momentum to “hold transferring ahead” whereas upholding core philosophies and values which have guided us for these 100 years. Extra to return in 2025 on thrilling new instructions for Tauck.
Honest Thanks
It’s been a really rewarding journey main this firm as CEO. I replicate typically about our little “nook” of the world. A spot the place humanity and “folks serving folks” are central to our expertise. A spot the place a crew of individuals come collectively, united by a mission to counterpoint the lives of others. A spot the place honesty, integrity, and respect are valued. A spot the place requirements for efficiency and habits are deliberately set excessive after which met, and even exceeded. These guiding ideas are wanted on the planet, in the present day greater than ever.
It has been an honor and a pleasure to function CEO for these previous 18 years. I really feel terribly grateful to have served alongside such a succesful, dedicated crew. I additionally sincerely admire the belief you’ve got positioned in us over these years. Chances are you’ll by no means actually perceive how a lot it issues to every individual on our crew, and each member of the Tauck household.
Onward we go!
Heat Regards,
Dan Mahar, Chairman of the Board
