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Tod DeHart
DIRECTIONS Founder
Our Story...
1996
1998
2000
2019
DIRECTIONS Tours Founder, Tod DeHart, began working in the hotel hospitality industry in the early 1990's. After graduating with a degree in business and communications from the University of South Alabama in 1994, Tod began his travel career in leading world-wide group tours across the USA and beyond. In a few short years, he would span the country coast-to-coast and to places afar including Africa, Europe, Mexico, Caribbean, South/Central America and Canada. Every mile giving him more experience in group travel and the logistics of making a successful journey for all. In 2001, Tod founded DIRECTIONS Tours with much pride, dedication and passion of travel and those who would entrust him to travel with.
Our Continued Dedication...
In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic brought the travel industry to a virtual standstill, and our operations were paused and challenged. DIRECTIONS Tours was the first tour company in the region to "reboot" travel with our successful "Social Distancing Tours" accommodating less than 15 guests following strict health protocols. We soon learned to navigate travel in a safe and responsible operation. During that time:
• We redesigned, streamlined and implemented new online options and customer service.
• We Strengthened our tourism partnerships with companies and organizations that reflect our values, principles, and standards. Including; Drury Hotels®, American Bus Association®, National Tour Association® and Altair Travel.
• We inaugurated our own branded motorcoaches. With our partnership and sister company, Motor Coach Family of Brands, we rolled out our new state-of-the-art transportation fleet for our traveling guests! Proudly the only tour company in our region offering our own branded transportation and Resident Drivers, ensuring our safe and responsible commitment on the road.
Welcoming Ryan Sanders, CEO...
October 2023
"Dear DIRECTIONS Tours Loyal Guests,
I am pleased, honored and excited to announce my company's new CEO, Ryan Sanders. After more than 30 years in the business, I knew that it was time for me to spend more personal time with family. I did not take this decision lightly... in fact it has been one of the toughest decisions to make for the company I am so deeply passionate about.
During the past two years, I began a nationwide search for an exceptional new leader for DIRECTIONS legacy, growth and future. Ryan was introduced to me through our tourism partners, and is no stranger to the tour and travel industry. He brings years of experience in the motor coach industry including Vice President of Operations for our sister company, Motor Coach Family of Brands. He is also the current Tour Supplier Director on the Board of Directors for the National Tour Association. Ryan's ambition, enthusiasm, and excitement has been infectious among our staff, partners and myself. He is devoted and committed to building strong relationships with all of our customers and guests!
I am also thrilled to provide my expertise in continued tour production and look forward to seeing you on the road on published "Founder Tours" in the years to come. A very sincere THANK YOU!"
Tod DeHart, Founder
Our Pledge...
Our Pledge and Promise is simple - to offer our guests excellent service from customer care to onboard experience; quality and creative tour itineraries; honest and value pricing. We will never stop working to earn your continued loyalty.
A sincere Thank You for your business!
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