ABOUT US
THE ALON STORY
Alon Tourism Solutions was founded in 2000 to help tourism businesses address a significant knowledge gap in the industry: understanding how to consistently and profitably work with the international travel trade and reseller market. With deep expertise in the travel industry and a strong focus on building relationships, Alon empowers destinations and suppliers to effectively present their products to the travel trade, driving optimal ROI and adoption.
By bringing together dynamic destinations, exciting attractions, and sought-after events with travel buyers seeking memorable experiences for their clients, Alon delivers measurable bottom-line results, sustained sales growth, and lasting partnerships in the global marketplace.
THE ALON TEAM
Jennifer Ackerson
President & CEO
CTIS, CRME, MWBE
CTIS, CRME, MWBE
Jen Ackerson is a 25+ year veteran of the tourism industry with deep experience in every supplier category. She is an expert in educating and connecting tourism destinations/suppliers with travel trade buyers/resellers to build successful relationships that drive profits and sustained success. Jen spearheads Alon’s tourism training program “Steps to Success” in partnership with International Inbound Travel Assoc. (IITA) and the “Tourism Ready” training program for New York City Tourism + Conventions, the official DMO of NYC. She is an expert public speaker, event planner, and global tradeshow ambassador.
JOANNA MILITELLO
General Manager
Joanna Militello joined the Alon team in 2015 and brings unbridled passion for the tourism and travel industry to each and every engagement. With a background in wholesale and B2B retail sales and management, Joanna employs her broad marketing skillset and deep knowledge of customer segments to forge successful, creative solutions. She manages daily operations and short/long-term planning for the business while overseeing client programs. Joanna also plans and organizes Alon’s training and activation programs, tradeshows, sales missions, and FAM tours.
HAYLEY CORIATY
Director of Operations
Hayley started in tourism working in hotels. From there, she was brought on as the first local employee to bring LEGOLAND® New York Resort to fruition. After five years with Merlin Entertainments, she moved to Manhattan to open Great Jones Distilling Co. After the opening, she joined the team at Legends as the Trade and Tourism Manager at One World Observatory. Hayley serves as the co-host to the NYSTIA tourism awards and as VP, Board of Director for Beautiful People. She graduated with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management and put herself through Project Management courses.
Virginia Miller
Project Manager
Virginia Miller, once a college intern at Alon, is now with us as a full-time team member! After earning her degree in Business Administration, Virginia is deploying her diverse background in process management and business strategy to help our global client base. A passionate adventure traveler, Virginia is thrilled for the opportunity to work in the industry she loves.
JULIANA BEZERRA
Marketing Coordinator
Juliana Bezerra is a Brazilian native with living experience in three countries and a background in tourism marketing, travel product distribution, hospitality, theme parks, and cruise lines. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Tourism, and has extensive experience developing and implementing successful tourism sales and marketing campaigns across both B2B and B2C sectors.
JeanETTE KOERNER
Event & Program Coordinator
Jeanette Koerner has a diverse background in Management and maintaining effective working relationships with associates and vendors. She has worked over the past decade as a real estate appraiser and now returned to her prior career in the tourism industry. Having years under her belt in preparing charters and itineraries for travel groups traveling to New York City, she is excited to get back into the industry.
Connor De VOS
Education & Training Program Coordinator
Connor De Vos is a dynamic sales and marketing strategist holding a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in International Management & Strategy. Connor has a proven track record in driving revenue growth and fostering community engagement. Connor is adept at leveraging his skills in business development, team collaboration, and communication to deliver impactful results. As a dual citizen of the USA and Belgium, Connor is equipped to navigate global business landscapes and drive success in any environment.
dustin conlon
Client Accounts & Sales Coordinator
Dustin Conlon, a North Carolina native, is an expert in B2B sales and account management within the travel and tourism industry. Formerly an account manager for Broadway group ticket buyers, Dustin holds a BFA in Musical Theatre and is currently studying to earn his master’s degree in library and information science. He has a diverse background and a creative skill set that will help clients learn and grow.
TJ Rosete
Admin Assistant
John “TJ” Rey Rosete brings a unique blend of skills and expertise to the team as an accomplished administrative assistant with a 20-year diverse background in project management, and internal sales. With a detail-oriented approach and a passion for delivering exceptional support, TJ plays a pivotal role in prioritizing effectively to ensure the smooth operations of the business.
JENNIFER PURTILL
Project Manager
JP has been a vital part of Alon Tourism Solutions since 2008, working full-time until 2019 and now serving in a dedicated support role. Leveraging her extensive experience in domestic and international tourism, JP provides insightful strategies and solutions for the team and clients. Her significant contributions include tourism sales and marketing, educational initiatives, promotional activities, and FAM tour planning. JP’s deep industry knowledge and commitment to exceptional results continue to be invaluable assets to Alon Tourism Solutions.
jean guinup
Project Consultant
Jean is a veteran of the tourism and hospitality industry. In her past role as General Manager of Woodbury Common in Central Valley, NY, she met with many national and international retail brands and her passion for supporting these brands and helping them discover ways to increase sales continues to today. Jean believes in “big visions” with thoughtful strategies to create success in today’s ever-changing market.
THE ALON WAY FORWARD
At Alon Tourism Solutions, we are dedicated to promoting tourism that reflects and celebrates the diversity of the world we explore. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do, driving our efforts to advance equitable opportunities, embrace diverse perspectives, and champion responsible tourism. Together, we aim to build a more inclusive, conscientious, and connected world through tourism.
AWARDS
Women In Travel and Tourism International (WITTI) awarded Jennifer Ackerson with an Outstanding Women in Tourism Marketing Award at Connect Travel Show.
The International Inbound Travel Association (IITA) awarded Jennifer Ackerson the Stanley Fisher Outstanding Travel Professional Award at the IITA Annual Summit.
The New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) awarded Jennifer Ackerson the Excellence in Leadership Award at the Annual Meeting & Tourism Excellence Awards.
City Guide awarded Jennifer Ackerson the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Women in Tourism Awards.
MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS
PARTNERS
ACCREDITATIONS
VOLUNTEER WORK
NYSTIA: Board of Directors, Higher Education Committee, Workforce Development Committee
Women in Tourism Awards
IITA Education Committee
Downtown Alliance Mentoring Program
BPeace
Mentoring Program
"I have never worked with a company as personable, knowledgeable, and well versed in tourism as Alon. They seem to know everyone in the tourism world, which helped us get new contacts and contracts!”
Georgette, President | On Location Tours
