Global Travel Alliance Names Steve Maehl as President

Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 7:20 AM ET, Thu July 17, 2025

Steve Maehl

Steve Maehl. (Photo Credit: Global Travel Alliance)

WHY IT RATES: The industry veteran brings a rare combination of experience, leadership skills and passion for the business.—Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Editor


Global Travel Alliance, a leader in educational and group travel experiences, is proud to announce the appointment of Steve Maehl as its new President. With over two decades of dedication to the student travel industry and more than 20 years of service at Global Travel Alliance, Steve brings exceptional leadership, experience, and passion for transformative travel.

"Steve has been part of Global Travel Alliance since our earliest days, helping build our mission of inspiring and educating through travel. His appointment as President is a testament to his unwavering commitment to our partners, travelers, and team," said Ethan Screnock, Partner at GTA.

Steve joined Global Travel Alliance in July 2004 as one of its founding team members. Over the years, he has held multiple leadership roles, including most recently, Executive Vice President, where he oversaw all aspects of trip planning, customer service, and partner relations. His tenure has been marked by a focus on safety, quality, and memorable educational experiences for thousands of students and travelers.

In addition to his work with Global Travel Alliance, Steve Maehl is widely respected throughout the student travel community. He has served as President of the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA), as well as, serving on both the SYTA Board of Directors and Board of Trustees for the SYTA Youth Foundation. His industry involvement has advanced best practices and raised the bar for student travel safety and quality. Steve was instrumental in the development of an international program of standards for tour operators, the Certified Student Travel Organization (CSTO) and led Global Travel Alliance to be the first CSTO company in the world.

Steve holds a strong belief in travel as education and is known for fostering relationships built on trust and integrity. His vision for Global Travel Alliance emphasizes innovation, partnership, and delivering exceptional value to educators, group leaders, and travelers alike.

"I'm honored to serve as President of Global Travel Alliance,"said Steve Maehl. "Travel has the power to build bridges and change lives, and I look forward to working with our incredible team and partners to continue delivering safe, enriching, and unforgettable journeys."

Global Travel Alliance remains committed to its mission of opening minds and hearts through transformative travel, and Steve's leadership promises to usher in an exciting new chapter of growth and service.

For more information about Global Travel Alliance, visit globaltravelalliance.com.


SOURCE: Global Travel Alliance press release.


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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