PAWTUCKET, RI — Collette is wishing CEO Dan Sullivan a happy 50th anniversary with the company.

Celebrating his golden anniversary this June, Sullivan first joined Collette in 1973 as the company’s 12th employee, back when Collette specialized in regional motorcoach tours.

Since then, his innovative ideas have helped Collette grow into a global tour operator with over 160 tours to all seven continents and five distinct travel styles, including small group touring and river cruises. 

Today, Sullivan manages the corporate team and provides the strategic vision for the company, remaining active in every aspect of the business including tour guiding, product development, sales and marketing.

He is a member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) and the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP). He chairs the Collette Foundation board, the company’s global not-for-profit aimed at giving children in global communities opportunities to thrive through hunger and education initiatives. And he also sits on the Charitable Foundation board for Bristol County Savings Bank, and serves as Co-Chairman of the Pawtucket Foundation in Rhode Island. 

As a supporter of not-for-profit causes, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Hospice, Hasbro Children’s Hospital and Amos House, Sullivan is also the former Chairman for Tourism Cares and was inducted into the Tourism Hall of Fame for his contributions to the community through philanthropic endeavours and contributions to the advancement of responsible tourism. 

But if you were to ask him what he loves doing most, he’ll say it’s travelling the world and relaxing at home with his family, including his eight grandchildren.

Congratulations, Dan! 

Travelweek’s Deputy Editor, Cindy Sosroutomo, sat down with Sullivan in February 2023 for an exclusive interview about Collette’s Advanced Commission Program, the company’s post-Covid recovery and more. To read the interview click here.