NTA Mourns the Loss of USTOA President Bob Whitley

May 14, 2010

 

Robert Whitley, longtime leader of the U.S. Tour Operators Association and a central figure in the travel industry, died May 13 of complications from abdominal surgery. He was 66. Click here to go to the official USTOA memorial page.

"I am shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of my dear friend and colleague Robert Whitley," said NTA President Lisa Simon, CTP. "This is a significant loss-to USTOA and to our industry. Bob was a good man, exceptional leader and long-time friend. There are no words to describe how our world will change without him."

Whitley guided the USTOA for 32 years. Before joining the USTOA, Whitley held positions as director of the Florida and Pennsylvania departments of tourism and as director of the Virginia Beach (Va.) Convention and Tourist Bureau.

Whitley is survived by his wife, Carol; three children, Scott, Sean and Kelly; and five grandchildren.

A Memorial Service for Bob followed by a reception will be as follows:

Wednesday, May 19 at 1 p.m.
First Congregational Church of Ridgefield (Directions to the church)
103 Main Street
Ridgefield, CT

A reception celebrating his life and loves will be held at 2:30 p.m. at:
The Inn at Longshore (Directions)
260 Compo Road South
Westport, CT
If you are planning to attend the reception please email jmcdaniel@ustoa.com. Please include your contact information.

Contributions in Whitley’s name may be made to Tourism Cares.