Helping People Live Happy, Full Lives

Ryan Alsup | Manager, Tourism Development, Visit Anaheim

Ryan Alsup manages tourism efforts for domestic, Mexico and Australia consumer/travel trade markets. Most recently, he served as a group sales manager at the Red Lion Hotel in Anaheim, overseeing the tour and travel and Social, Military, Educational, Religious, Fraternal (SMERF) markets. Previously, Ryan worked as the outside sales representative for Catalina Express, promoting Catalina Island through sales and marketing platforms targeted at consumers, in addition to tour and travel professionals.

He originally studied biological sciences, because he simply wanted to help people live happy and full lives. Ryan always had a passion for traveling and believed the best way to lower stress and build friendships is through group travel. "When an opportunity came to switch industries and represent Catalina Island, I couldn't have imagined how perfectly this industry would satisfy my desire to help people.

"I practically fell into the industry without realizing it was the perfect fit for my personality."

Throughout the constant changing of travel culture, Ryan finds, relationships still matter the most. "We are in the midst of a technology revolution that affects the entire travel industry's business model. Yet I believe relationships will continually prove to be the most valuable our industry."

What is Ryan's favorite accomplishment to date?

"Knowing I've been a part—if only even a small part—of making peoples' dreams come is the ultimate reward."

Ryan Alsup is one of the 2016 Top 10 Next Gens, as nominated by Groups Today readers for making a difference in the industry with his creative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. Click here to see the January/February magazine

Know a group travel professional making an impact on the industry with a fresh, progressive perspective? Nominate him or her for 2017's Top 10 Next Gen here.