Kelly Thomas
IMTI Graduate and Professional Tour Director
How long have you been tour directing?
This year completes 6 years of tour directing, and I could not be happier.
Where have you led tours?
I have done train tours throughout the United States, into Canada, and Mexico’s Copper Canyon. Fall colors tours in New
England...deep south and Civil War tours in the southeastern U.S., California coastal tours, all the national parks, and
even some student tours. Most of my tours are motor coach tours and some cruise combinations mixed in.
What did you do before tour directing?
I jumped from career to career, such as banking and then hotel and restaurant management, and I never felt that deep
satisfaction or reward from my work. Nowadays, every single day is rewarding; it is a joy to get out of bed and travel
and teach my passengers while on tour.
How has tour directing changed your life?
I have made some great friends in the industry in many different ways and locations. These fellow tour directors are now
the closest friends I’ve ever had. For me Tour Directing is a very spiritual event; it is an avenue through which I can channel
my ‘gift’ to as many people as possible, and that in itself is the greatest joy anyone can have with their career.
What do you do when you are not tour directing?
When I am not touring I relax at home and take advantage of my down time to study my next topic. Actually studying for new
destinations has really been fun. I have relearned American history and can be considered quite keen on many subjects from
history to geography.
How has ITMI supported you in your career?
ITMI changed my life forever, and in a most amazing way. ITMI has supported my career every step of the way. They provided me
with good contacts and lead information about recruiting companies. I also get a local city tour handbook from ITMI before visiting
a new place. Robert Frost said it best....“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I…I took the one less traveled by, and that has made
all the difference!” ITMI was my diverging path in the woods, and I am grateful for the amazing that occurs everyday after that fork
in the road. I recommend this career for anyone who has something to give and everything to receive.
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