Julie Payne, CTP, CTIS

​

Julie Payne is the founder, President, and Tourism Enhancement Specialist at Attractour, a company focused on business development for the tourism industry.  Attractour attracts tourism through building relationships, strategy and education.
 

Julie started her tourism journey by attending Mansfield University and obtaining a Bachelor’s degree of Tourism.  Working at AAA through college, gave her insight into domestic and international travel.

​

Upon graduation, Julie spent ten years as a Group Tour Manager for a Pennsylvania-based tour operator. This experience gave Julie an in depth understanding of the group tour industry from the senior, boomer, student, and international perspectives. Developing marketing strategies, creating, and escorting group and retail tour programs, trade show attendance, team building and project management are skill sets that she developed and continues to use. Her relationships with tour operators and industry leaders are still strong today.   Following this, Julie served as the Director of Tourism Development for a Harrisburg-based marketing firm, working with clients to drive group and leisure tour business. 

​

Julie obtained the Certified Tour Professional designation from the National Tour Association and Certified Tour Industry Specialist designation from the American Bus Association.  She is currently enrolled in the Certified Student Travel Professional program with the Student Youth Travel Association. 

​

In 2022, Julie was an honoree of the Women in Tourism Award in New York City.  Julie has been a guest speaker for NTA, PBA, Connect Travel and other associations and DMOS. After 30+ years in travel and tourism, her experience and passion are the key to the client’s success.

​

She is devoted to her family, husband of 30 years and her Berniedoodle, Baxter.