History - ITMI | International Tour Management Institute

THE INSPIRATION FOR ITMI

TED BRAVOS, FOUNDER & CEO OF ITMI

Ted is an industry pioneer, thought leader and visionary. He helped develop the first state-approved school in the United States, designed specifically to train tour directors and tour guides. When he is not filling his role as primary instructor, he remains active as a tour director, leading thousands of people to all parts of the world.

After obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree from California Polytechnic University, he served as a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Since 1970, he has been employed as a tour director and consultant for some of the most respected tour companies in America. A distinguished thought leader and expert, he has been a frequent speaker at industry events, featured in many magazines and newspapers and been a guest on countless television and radio programs.

ITMI LEADING THE WAY SINCE 1976

At the time of ITMI’s inception, tour guiding in America was largely a part-time summer job for college students or teachers who had little or no training. In Europe, tour guiding had already developed as a profession with a formal education and certification, meeting the highest standards of quality.

As seasoned travellers, Ted Bravos and Bill Newton observed the vast difference between the two industries and envisioned the concept for the International Tour Management Institute (ITMI): A North American school that would give tour guides and tour directors the knowledge, practical skills and real-world experience to safely and confidently lead tour groups domestically and around the world.

ITMI was born. Over the years, ITMI has evolved to meet the changing needs of the explosive tourism industry. ITMI continues to be actively involved with leading professional organizations including the National Tour Association (NTA), the American Bus Association (ABA) and Tourism Cares.

1976

First School in North America to Train Tour Guides and Tour Directors

ITMI is founded by Ted Bravos and Bill Newton after obtaining approval from the California Department of Education.

1976

The School is in Session

First 7 training courses are completed in San Francisco, California. ITMI becomes a member of the National Tour Association (NTA).

1976

1980

First Hollywood Class

A tradition that continued twice a year for over 30 years.

1980

1982

ITMI Continues to Expand

Starting in 1982, ITMI introduces specialized training programs including Destination Marketing; 1982 World's Fair; 1984 Olympics; 1986 Expo and Regional Training in Boston

1982

1987

First ITMI Symposium

A place for education; networking and getting hired.

1987

1990

ITMI Celebrates Its 100th Class

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, mea ei viderer probatus consequuntur, sonet vocibus lobortis has ad.

1990

1993

ITMI Is Invited to Present at White House Conference

The purpose? To work towards developing the first National Tourism Policy for the United States.

1993

1996

ITMI Goes From Hot to Cold

ITMI does a speical Cruise Host and Tour Director Program to Mexico. They also head to the Yukon & North West Territories

1996

2000

ITMI Hits Some MIlestones

From 2000 - 2008, ITMI holds the Symposium in Hawaii It begins a partnership with Tourism Cares. ITMI is featured on "Heartbeat of America" with William Shatner. The first "Bank Travel" training program is held. The first special program in Chinese Mandarin is held.

2000

2010

ITMI Celebrates 7,000 Graduates

Students from around the world have taken part in the ITMI Tour Guide Training and Tour Director Training programs. 7,000 of them!

2010

2011

Motorcoach Driver Training Program

ITMI introduces its special motorcoach training program. This makes sense, because our motorcoach operators are an integral part of our team!

2011

2012

ITMI Holds its 25th Symposium

But that's not all! Ted Bravos is recognized as a Travel Pioneer. Our Human Trafficking Awareness Training is added and we begin partnerships with Group Tour Media and eTravel Blackboard.

2012

2013

ITMI Receives International Recognition

ITMI is featured in National Geogrphic; The New York Times; Kiplinger Magazine & Travel Pulse.

2013

2016

ITMI Celebrates 40 Years

With over 300 Classes and 8,000 Graduates.

2016

As Featured On

ITMI - STILL INNOVATING AFTER 46 YEARS

Global Pandemic

The global pandemic interupts the entire travel industry with no end in sight.

Online Training

ITMI pivots and develops an online training program that delivers our key elements of connection, learning & outcomes.

Expanding Offerings

2023 has some exciting developments to announce. Stay tuned for more!

2020

2021

2023

TOUR GUIDE PROGRAM TESTIMONIALS

Don’t just take our word for it.

One of the best decisions I've ever made. Investing in training at ITMI changed my life and gave me access to a career that is challenging me and bring me a whole lot of joy! THANK YOU ITMI!!

Jolie

Thank you so much to ITMI because without this training I wouldn't be able to unlock the doors to my dreams. The greatest thing ITMI did was to create this community of people like me, who share a love of travel, culture, history and adventures.

Savion

Celebrating 1 year anniversary from ITMI! In the past year I was a tour director through the Western National Parks and today I'm heading on a plane for my first tour in Europe. Thank you ITMI!

Seth