2026 Next Gen: Tom Vigna
Tom Vigna is one of the 2026 Next Gens, as nominated by Groups Today readers for making a difference in the industry with their fresh, progressive perspective.
As Director of Marketing & Sales at Boston Duck Tours, Tom Vigna turns spreadsheets into stories and innovating thinking into customer satisfaction. Equal parts data geek and creative strategist, he’s helped the iconic Boston Duck Tours blend analytics with imagination to move both numbers and people.
“I’ve always loved how travel can turn a simple idea into a shared experience,” Vigna shared. “Group travel, especially, has this magic of bringing people together. Whether it’s students seeing Boston for the first time, or families revisiting their favorite vacation spot, I am drawn to the energy and passion of it all.”
Vigna believes the logistics, the laughter, and the chance to create something that makes people feel connected to a place and to each other is what makes the group travel industry so special. From championship parades to group travel programs, Vigna’s focus on brand awareness, data, and community keeps Boston’s most famous tour at the forefront of Boston’s tourism scene.
When looking at the industry as a whole, he’s intrigued by the increasing prevenance of AI—something he says will be hard to ignore.
“What intrigues me about AI is how it can help us better understand and serve travelers. Not by replacing the human side of what we do, but by enhancing it,” he explained. “The travel industry is still about people, stories, and connection, and if used thoughtfully, AI can give us more time to focus on those moments that really make a difference. Though I’m still waiting for AI to fully grasp the nuance of explaining a World War II-era amphibious vehicle giving sightseeing/history tours around a city.”
Vigna’s favorite career accomplishment so far might not be something you’d expect.
“Honestly, making a career out of something where there’s a cartoon duck on my business card still cracks me up,” he said. “The fact that I get to blend data, creativity, and community around a brand that makes people smile (and quack) every day … that’s my favorite accomplishment so far.”
Looking toward the future, Vigna hopes to keep meeting new people (and remembering at least half their names).
“I’ve found the best ideas don’t come from siting behind a desk; they come from the people you meet along the way.”
Tom Vigna is one of the 2026 Next Gens, as nominated by Groups Today readers for making a difference in the industry with their fresh, progressive perspective. Read the full feature here.
Photo courtesy of Tom Vigna.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today.
