Canton, MA | Tourism Cares for Tomorrow is proud to announce the upcoming induction of two highly respected industry leaders, Gilbert Haroche, President and co-founder of Liberty Travel and Gogo Worldwide Vacations and John P. Stachnik, CTP, CTC, President and co-founder of Mayflower Tours, into its Hall of Fame. Haroche and Stachnik will be honored and officially inducted into the Hall of Fame at a black tie, gala celebration on June 14 at the Sheraton New York.

The Hall of Fame Award was originated by the National Tourism Foundation in 1998. The award recognizes individuals who, among other business accomplishments, have made significant personal contributions to travel and tourism through philanthropic, volunteer and mentoring activities.

"I can’t think of two leisure travel veterans who are more deserving of this recognition,” said Bruce Beckham, Executive Director of Tourism Cares for Tomorrow. “Not only have John and Gil been tremendously successful in their businesses, but they have given back in so many ways both inside and outside the tourism industry.”

About the Hall of Fame Inductees

Gilbert Haroche co-founded Liberty Travel in 1951. Based in Ramsey, NJ, Liberty has grown in strength over the years, adapting to changing economic and consumer trends and providing employment for more than 2,500 people. More than 2 million people each year take their vacations through Liberty Travel and GOGO Worldwide Vacations.

Mr. Haroche’s commitment to training and education is legendary. He is a supporter of New York University’s tourism programs. Among his philanthropic commitments, Gil’s personal charitable work includes The Hole in the Wall Camp in Connecticut, where more than 100 children with life-threatening illnesses are treated to camping experiences each year. Mr. Haroche is also a benefactor of NYU’s Medical Center, Hospital for Join Disease, the Alzheimer’s Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Gil and his partner, Michelle Kassner, President of GOGO Worldwide Vacations, are also long-time supporters of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

John P. Stachnik, CTP, CTC, along with his wife Mary, founded Mayflower Tours in 1979. Based in Downers Grove, IL, Mayflower is recognized as a leader in the escorted tour industry. With both domestic and international offerings, Mayflower provides travelers with personalized programs operated by a caring, first generation, family-oriented company. Previous to Mayflower, John co-founded another tour company (Forlow Tours), which from 1970 to 1978 grew to 35,000 passengers annually. John began his hospitality career in 1966 working for a Washington, DC, hotel company.

John has served in countless volunteer/leadership roles over the years. He has been elected to several boards, the most notable being the Travel Industry Association of America, the National Tour Association and the United States Tour Operators Association and has served as the top elected official of the latter two. Only he and Arthur Tauck, Chairman of Tauck World Discovery and a fellow Hall of Fame member, hold that distinction. John has raised thousands of dollars for tourism scholarships and was a staunch supporter of both the National Tourism Foundation and the Travelers Conservation Foundation before combining into Tourism Cares for Tomorrow.

About Tourism Cares for Tomorrow and the Hall of Fame Gala

Platinum and Gold Table sponsorships are available for the Hall of Fame gala. For details or to participate as a “host” for this event please visit the website at www.tourismcaresfortomorrow.org or contact Sarah Mann, Programs Manager, at [email protected]. All proceeds from the evening go to Tourism Cares for Tomorrow, which gives grants and scholarships and works diligently to help the travel and tourism industry “give back.”

Created by combining The United States Tour Operators Association's Travelers Conservation Foundation and CrossSphere's National Tourism Foundation, Tourism Cares for Tomorrow is a non-profit that benefits society by preserving, conserving and promoting the responsible use of our world's natural, cultural and historic treasures and supporting education and research to help secure the positive future of travel and tourism worldwide.

Bruce Beckham
Executive Director
(781)821.5990