Elizabeth Hall: From Alaska to Africa and Everywhere in Between

Elizabeth Hall shares her perspectives on motorcoach travel, leadership in a family business and growing up in the industry.

As with many family businesses in the motorcoach industry, Elizabeth Hall grew up jumping head first into the industry, traveling on motorcoaches with her family and dad, John Sr. of John Hall's Alaska.

"We were always surrounded by a bus garage, motorcoach, one of the drivers or traveling in the back of an MC-9 while our father drove a tour group, which doubled as a family vacation," said Hall.

From working alongside her siblings at their then-family owned Anderson House hotel in Minnesota to moving over to the travel and tourism operations working on data entry and other clerical work, Hall's hospitality roots run deep.

"Fast forward through moving across the country, a stint at college, and returning back to the family business, it took one Alaska trip with guests to realize the motorcoach industry was where I belonged," said Hall, who obtained her bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration and became Chief Operating Officer of John Hall's Alaska in 2011.

Since, Hall has been part of expanding the business into different categories.

"What was an Alaska package tour operation when my siblings and I started, has grown and transformed into five areas of focus, including: a lodge operation in Minnesota, Alaska tour and travel company, World Adventures traveling bucket list destinations around the world, opening JHA Transportation Services allowing for service of vehicles outside our fleet and the fastest growing sector, motorcoach charter services in both Alaska and Minnesota," Hall explained.

Hall has witnessed a number of industry changes, including things like technology, along with the faces of the industry and how long they stay in those careers.

"As we approach a new generation, employees and representatives are staying for shorter durations or moving around within the industry," Hall explained, also noting the industry's increase in political involvement. "Regulations, changes, implemented laws and competition among other competing industries make it even more important for industry voices to be heard. What was once a smaller segment of operators understanding political involvement has become an industry movement."

An Alaska resident since 2018, Hall is passionate about watching guests and team members fall in love with travel, from stepping foot on the Galapagos Islands and seeing penguins in Antarctica to admiring wild elephants in Botswana. She truly loves every single aspect of travel and the motorcoach industry.

"I couldn't imagine being involved in anything else and can't wait to see where this industry goes," she said. "I have had incredible opportunities to meet people who've helped shape me, my career, our family business and travel places that most only dream of. I certainly don't take that lightly."

Hall encourages others to forge their own unique path, to lift others up along the way and to cherish and protect their reputation.

"Every time one of our clients, whether a group or direct, shares their positive experiences, it reminds me why we do what we do," Hall said. "I love sharing the world with people in the most perfect way possible—from Alaska to Africa."

HONORED AT ABA
Hall is the recipient of the 2024 TODAY! Award, presented by Groups Today at ABA Marketplace. The award is presented to an ABA member who has demonstrated they have what it takes to make an impact in the group travel industry—today. "This award recognizes my own work, my own leadership and the continued forward progress I push for in both my business, and the industry I love beyond anything else (besides my fur children)."

DID YOU KNOW?
Hall has held her commercial drivers license for almost 16 years and while she considers herself "high strung" and always business minded, behind closed doors, she's simple and fun. "My friends have referred to it as the unicorn side of me. It does exist and usually comes with a side of Jameson or cold domestic beer, terrible dance skills, quick wit and encouragement in selling bad ideas."

Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today.

This article originally appeared in the May/Jun '24 issue of Groups Today.

 Photo Courtesy of Olive Juice Photography.