SUMMIT OVERVIEW

The SYTA Summit creates a space where leaders and senior staff can discuss critical issues and trends that affect the student group travel industry. The Summit is structured to achieve four goals: Sharing and debating ideas with fellow experts. Developing solutions and action plans to address these issues. Building relationships that solidify our commitment to our industry. Meeting in destinations that offer student group travel opportunities.

SUMMIT 2025: RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

In 2022, SYTA made a commitment to building a culture of Responsible Travel within the membership and the student travel industry. We believe our mission of providing life-changing experiences for students and youth is strongly supported by our members’ commitment to ensure responsible, inclusive and sustainable travel products and experiences. This year’s Summit includes speakers, sessions and experiences that support this commitment.

Our Responsible Travel Values values include:

Respect for our planet and its cultures
Inclusion
Diversity
Transparency
Future focused
Commitment to safety

SUMMIT LOCATION: SCOTTSDALE/PHOENIX, ARIZONA

A green desert city? That’s not a mirage in Scottsdale, where bold environmental initiatives show how the city is leading the way. Natural sustainability challenges come with being a desert city, and Scottsdale has been tackling them head on. Click here to learn more about Scottsdale’s commitment to sustainability.

Phoenix is ranked among the top 10% of U.S. cities for sustainability and is one of the top five areas for sustainable development, according to a new report. The 2024 Most Sustainable Cities report from LawnStarter ranked Phoenix No. 46 overall out of the 500 largest cities nationwide in an analysis that looked at 39 total metrics in five categories that included policies, development, pollution, transportation and food production.

WHY ARIZONA FOR STUDENT TRAVEL?

With at least 25 national parks, monuments, and recreation areas within a 500-mile radius of Phoenix/Scottsdale and an airport with flights from most major cities, Arizona offers many opportunities for student groups. In addition to the National Parks, students can experience indigenous culture on American Tribal Lands and learn about their rich history.

As you consider attending the SYTA Summit 2025, please visit the Summit 2025 website and schedule often as the Summit Volunteer Committee is actively building an event that will surprise and delight you – both personally and professionally. We look forward to seeing you in January.

“Arizona is an amazing stop for my student tour groups. Phoenix is a great starting point with its major airport. Some wonderful bus companies out of Phoenix. It is an easy drive to Sedona with its famous off road Pink Jeep tour as a highlight & a quaint town to have lunch and browse. The amazing Grand Canyon (South Rim) is an easy 2 hour drive from Sedona. Culture & natural beauty – Arizona has it all.”
Norm Rein, CEO, Rein Teen Tours

SYTA THANKS ALL OF OUR SUMMIT DESTINATIONS

Anaheim	Irvine
Banff Lake Louise	New Orleans
Branson	NYC
Cancun	Puerto Rico
Chicago	Punta Cana
Colorado Springs	Quebec
Costa Rica	San Diego
Cruise Bahamas	St.Louis
Fort Myers	Tampa
Hawaii	Toronto

Greg Dotson – Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts

There is so much value in attending Summit! The networking opportunities with leaders in the student travel industry are priceless. I was inspired by the great conversations around Sustainability and Responsible Travel and moved when our former scholarship winner, Gandi, shared his story. Scottsdale was a perfect destination for exploring and spending time with new and old colleagues.

Holly Avino – Destination Niagara USA

It has been fabulous so far! Everyone has been very welcoming with it being my first summit, being able to talk to just about everyone here has been really helpful and resourceful. The education has been impactful and the topics make complete sense for the demographic of the attendees.

Tara Hippensteel, National Director of Tourism, City Cruises

You get what you give- there are opportunities to network and learn ALL day. The Tour Operators are more open and relaxed. I’ve had the opportunity to discuss strategy and build the business- a much deeper dive than any other show.

Holly Stevenson – CCIS, Inc.

For me, SYTA Summit is centered on relationship-building, and Scottsdale has met that expectation. Whether hiking on a scenic trail with stunning views or networking with industry peers over cocktails, the experience was memorable and vital in growing our business. The educational session on sustainable travel was particularly informative, inspiring me to reevaluate our office procedures and their potential impact on student travel.