TLN AT 20: HONORING OUR PAST, SHAPING OUR FUTURE—AND EMBRACING THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF TRAVEL

As the Travel Lifestyle Network (TLN) marks its 20th anniversary, we find ourselves not just celebrating two decades of excellence—but standing at a defining moment in our shared story. This is more than a milestone. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, and a signal of where we’re boldly heading next.

Two decades of global collaboration have brought TLN to a powerful inflection point—where experience meets ambition, and legacy fuels innovation. We’ve grown, adapted, and evolved as the world has changed, always staying true to one belief: that travel has the power to transform not only economies and industries—but lives.

Our recent Annual General Meeting in Montréal was more than just a meeting—it was a turning point. It sparked fresh momentum, reignited our collective purpose, and galvanized us around a clear and ambitious vision for the future.

As a lifelong hockey fan, being in Montréal—a city steeped in hockey history—brought to mind one of the most legendary moments in sports. Before the U.S. Olympic hockey team took the ice against the heavily favored Soviets in 1980, Coach Herb Brooks gave a speech that still gives me chills:

“Great moments are born from great opportunities. And that’s what you have here tonight. That’s what you’ve earned here tonight.”

That quote resonates now more than ever. TLN has earned this moment—through two decades of trust, talent, perseverance, and partnership. And now, we stand ready for what’s next.

This is our time.

But it’s also something deeper.

Because TLN is more than a network. It’s a global movement—a vibrant community of the world’s leading agencies who believe in the power of storytelling, connection, and experience. Our mission isn’t just about elevating brands. It’s about elevating people.

And no industry embodies transformation like travel.

Travel changes us. It challenges assumptions, opens hearts, and inspires awe. It sparks conversations across cultures, nurtures empathy, and leaves us—both personally and professionally—forever altered. Whether it’s the wonder of a child seeing the ocean for the first time, a local artisan sharing their craft, or a traveler returning home with a changed perspective, these stories matter. They shape the world.

That’s what makes our work so meaningful.

As communicators, strategists, and creatives, we are the bridge between places and people. We don't just promote destinations—we champion discovery. We don’t just drive awareness—we drive understanding. And in doing so, we play a small but powerful part in shaping a more connected, compassionate world.

That’s the legacy we’re building.

With a strategic roadmap now in place, and a new generation of leaders stepping up, TLN is poised for even greater impact in the years to come. The strength of this network lies not in its structure—but in its people. And with this extraordinary team aligned around a shared vision, the future is bright.

The next 20 years begin now. Let’s make them count.

With purpose and excitement,
David Zapata
Executive Chairman
Travel Lifestyle Network