ABOUT US

Bill Newton & Ted Bravos, ITMI Founders

Our Story

A Journey That Changed Travel

Founded in 1976 by visionaries Ted Bravos, CTP, and Bill Newton, PHD, ITMI pioneered the first professional travel leadership education in the United States. From our first graduating students to thousands of alumni leading tours worldwide, we’ve continued to innovate and champion ethical, transformative travel experiences.

Today, our graduates weave the world together, one journey at a time.

TRAINING EVOLUTION

Through The Years

1976-2018

2-6 weeks classroom and in-field training experiences in: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Washington DC, & Vancouver.

2019-2022

Specialized Training Expands: hybrid, online and hands-on workshops, reaching students across 7 continents.

2023 & BEYOND

Flexible Training Options: fully online, hybrid, or in-classroom, meeting shifting marketing demands post Covid.

Our Mission

Training Leaders to Inspire Human Connection
We exist to enrich the human perspective through travel. We empower individuals to build bridges between cultures, foster compassion, and spark a global shift toward harmony for the environment and future generations.

Our Vision

Weaving a Tapestry of Connection
Through domestic and international experiences, we equip learners with transformational education, partnering with educators and organizations committed to personal wellness, cultural awareness, and responsible leadership. Together, we weave threads of kindness, wisdom, and stewardship into the future of global travel.

Guided by Heart, Wisdom and Purpose

We proudly partner with and contribute to leading travel and tourism organizations, helping to shape industry standards, best practices, and future leadership.

Why Choose ITMI?

The Gold Standard in Travel Education and Industry Solutions

Flexible Learning: In-person, online, and hybrid certifications.
Career-Ready Programs: International Tour Director, Tour Guide, Tourism Entrepreneurship, and Driver Guide Certifications.
Industry Partnerships: Trusted by leading global travel companies for top-tier talent development.
Humanitarian Focus: Leadership in human trafficking awareness, accessibility, and responsible tourism.
Custom White Label Solutions for Tour Operators: Tailor ITMI’s world-renowned training under your brand to empower your guides and travel staff.
Global Curriculum Development Expertise: Partner with ITMI to design and deliver customized travel leadership curricula for international organizations and governments.
Global Industry Leadership: ITMI has been pivotal in establishing industry standards, best practices, and sustainable initiatives by eliminating competition and creating a collaborative environment among hundreds of tour operators.

When you choose ITMI, you choose the proven path to excellence.

At ITMI, you’re not just earning a certification — you’re becoming part of a global movement shaping the future of ethical, inspired travel.

Our Impact in Action

YOU

Begin Your
Journey with
ITMI

WE

Empower You
to Lead and
Inspire

The World

Build the World
of Connections,
Compassion &
Leadership

Meet Our Instructors

At ITMI, you’re supported not only by visionary leadership but by a passionate team of experienced instructors, mentors, and industry experts. Our instructors bring decades of real-world travel experience, dynamic storytelling skills, and a heart for education.

Ted Bravos

Co-Founder & CEO

SAUSALIO, CALIFORNIA

“Travel leaders inspire consciousness, expose difficult truths, and weave magic through storytelling.”

Joan Keddell

President

SAUSALIO, CALIFORNIA

“It is a privilege to help create dreams for individuals to become ambassadors of goodwill for peace across the world.”

Carol Kendrick

Director of Curriculum

PHOENIX, ARIZONA

“I am humbled by the skillful Travel Leader who inspires consciousness-raising and explains the world with magical storytelling.”

Mikall Beutler

Director of Community Engagement & Storytelling

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

“Connection is the heartbeat of every journey. It’s an honor to support and guide future travel leaders to tell the world’s stories with compassion and purpose.”

Miriam Meidam

Instructor

CALIFORNIA

“My passion is to see a business idea evolve from a dream to a reality.”

Jason Cohen

Instructor

CALIFORNIA

“Being a Tour Director is
one of the greatest joys of
my life. I look forward to
helping you find that
ultimate fulfillment.”

Barnaby Davies

Global Instructor

UNITED KINGDOM

“Inspire, explore, and lead —because tourism isn’t just about travel, it’s about transforming lives through global connection.”

Sjannie HulsmanLouwers

Global Instructor

UNITED KINGDOM

“I have never forgotten the kindness of others when I transitioned from my corporate career. I want to pay it forward, see them succeed, and live their dreams.”

Svetlana Lewis

Global Instructor

UKRAINE

“As an ITMI graduate now living in Ukraine, I’m thrilled to be training new students across Europe and helping them discover the same life-changing opportunities that transformed my journey in the travel industry”

Kira Butler

Alumni Mentor

CALIFORNIA

“I want to mentor because our community is even more successful when we share our skills and experience.”

Ulla Salafrio

Alumni Mentor

FLORIDA

“After a lifelong travel career, I’m eager to mentor the next generation of travel professionals.”

Mike Ruggieri

Alumni Mentor

VIRGINIA

“I have never forgotten the kindness of others when I transitioned from my corporate career. I want to pay it forward, see them succeed, and live their dreams.”

Skye MacLean

Tour Operator Mentor

RHODE ISLAND

“Being an ITMI graduate myself, now in the position of hiring as a tour operator, I remember how much it meant to have someone believe in me — that’s why mentoring new students is such a joy and a privilege.”

Travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about discovering who you are beyond the familiar. Every journey you take brings you one step closer to the life you’ve always dreamed of. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—go now, chase wonder, and live boldly.

We can’t Wait to Welcome You to the ITMI Family!

Our Trusted Leadership Council

Leading the Industry with Trusted Travel Brands

Our Industry Associations

We proudly partner with and contribute to leading travel and tourism organizations, helping to shape industry standards, best practices, and future leadership.

Our Global Industry Associations Include:

Let's Start Your Journey!

Become a Travel Leader Who Inspires the World

Ready to begin your unforgettable journey? Let us help you turn your passion for travel into a powerful career that changes lives.

Let us assist you or your organization in training high-caliber travel professionals who create unforgettable experiences and change the world through travel.