The Future is Bright!
Stephanie Lucas, CTIS, TMP | Group Tourism Manager | Visit Charlotte
Stephanie Lucas' love of tourism and travel shines through in her community work. She's active on several community nonprofit boards, including Carolinas Student Travel Connection, where she serves as president, and the Carolina Raptor Center Board, on which she's Chair of Programs. She connects her partners to build packages for visitors to maximize their Charlotte experience. "I love sending people to the local flavor and showing off the unique attractions in the Charlotte region."
Stephanie also loves the family-style way the industry does business. "Group travel is about building relationships. You get to know the people and care about them, and you see them several times throughout the year. Helping bring people to my area and seeing their faces light up as we talk about their favorite things makes this industry one of my favorites."
The group travel industry is dynamic. This intrigues Stephanie, who realizes we all have to change and grow with it. She enjoys hearing insights into what companies are doing to meet the changes and create to new group tour growth.
Stephanie's favorite accomplishment—so far—is having acquired her job in the first place. "I look back, and six years ago I knew nothing about group tour. I have learned and grown so much. This is a great platform to do huge things and help transform the industry. I also have a voice in the community, which is very important to me. I sit on boards and get to be a part of the great things happening in Charlotte. I enjoy being a working mother and a champion for work life balance."
Another favorite accomplishment is being a Groups Today Top 10 Next Gen.
"This is a huge honor to be among such a great group of tourism professionals. I love how bright the future is for all of us!"
Stephanie Lucas is one of the 2016 Top 10 Next Gens, as nominated by Groups Today readers for making a difference in the industry with her 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.
