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USTOA Update: Meet the Future Leaders of the Responsible Travel Movement
This article originally appeared in the September issue of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe here to receive your free copy each month.
I am exceptionally honored to announce the 2025 United States Tour Operators Association’s (USTOA) Future Lights of the Tour Industry recipients. As the president and CEO of USTOA, I could not be prouder to share their incredible contributions to ensuring a responsible future for travel.
Meet the Honorees
Alexandra Michat, chief purpose officer for Exo Travel, is recognized for developing systems to measure carbon emissions and track the positive impact Exo’s programs have had on local communities. She also leads the Exo Foundation, which focuses on advancing responsible tourism practices in the company.
Øistein Nilsen, director of culinary for Hurtigruten, is honored for revamping the company’s culinary program to serve as a platform for sustainability, local value creation and cultural storytelling. In close partnership with local communities, the cruise line has developed culinary concepts that reduce food waste, prioritize short-traveled ingredients and reflect the Norwegian coastline.
At just 21 years old, Mathilde Six, sustainability coordinator for Magic Travels, led the first successful sustainability certification for her company’s office in the United Arab Emirates. She broadened the company’s sustainability goals by focusing on suppliers and product development, and by promoting ethical practices with local travel agency partnerships.
About the Future Lights Program
The USTOA Future Lights program, launched in 2022 during our 50th anniversary, invites members to nominate colleagues who have made meaningful differences in their companies and the communities they interact with to create a more responsible future for tourism.
This year, we received many outstanding nominations from our active and associate members. It’s encouraging to understand how members have modified their operations to proactively pursue sustainable practices. Michat, Nilsen and Six are bright lights of our industry.
On behalf of our members, I would like to extend my greatest thanks to our judges, whose careful consideration makes the Future Lights program possible. I also want to express our gratitude to our program sponsor, Crum & Forster, for its immense support.
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