2024 Next Gen: Calley Geigle
Calley Geigle is one of the 2024 Next Gens, as nominated by Groups Today readers for making a difference in the industry with her fresh, progressive perspective.
Calley Geigle: Global Travel & Trade Representative, Travel South Dakota
In the five years Calley Geigle has been part of the Travel South Dakota team, her focus has been on the group travel market. Initially drawn to the travel and tourism industry as a whole, Geigle has found a home working in the group travel sector.
"The group travel aspect was where I landed first when exploring this industry and have not left since," Geigle said. "The people you meet along the way that are so passionate about what they do keeps you around!"
Geigle is intrigued by the way that group travel has continued to grow throughout the years.
"Before, many saw it as a way seniors or student groups get around but it is so much more than that and has shifted and molded itself along with the tourism industry to stay relevant," Geigle explained.
Recognizing there was a demand for authentic and educational Indigenous tours, Geigle—alongside the South Dakota Native Tourism Alliance and George Washington University—helped lay the foundation in educating Native American destinations on hosting groups. Together, they've assisted in marketing these opportunities, as well as having formed pricing workshops and test tours with South Dakota's Native American suppliers.
"My favorite accomplishment so far is bringing group tours to the South Dakota reservations," Geigle said. "Many businesses, groups and people were involved with this but to see the businesses start from an idea to welcoming their first group was very rewarding."
When looking toward the future, Geigle has a couple goals that stand out in her mind.
"I hope to develop more Indigenous tours in our area, as we have many tribes in South Dakota," she said. "I also enjoy helping businesses become group tour friendly and teaching them what goes into welcoming group tours."
Calley Geigle is one of the 2024 Next Gens, as nominated by Groups Today readers for making a difference in the industry with her fresh, progressive perspective. Click here to see the January/February feature.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today.
