American Bus Association Named National Motorcoach and Group Travel Association of the Year
Honored for its advocacy, innovation, and member-first culture, ABA is recognized as the leading voice of North America’s motorcoach and group travel industry.
The American Bus Association (ABA) has been named the National Motorcoach and Group Travel Association of the Year by International Explorer magazine. The recognition highlights ABA’s leadership in modernizing the motorcoach and group travel industry, advancing policy advocacy, and delivering unmatched value to its members.
The honor comes as ABA prepares to celebrate its centennial in 2026. Under the leadership of Board Chair Terry Fischer and President & CEO Fred Ferguson, the association has launched its first rolling three-year strategic plan in more than six years. Built around four core pillars—Advocacy, Safety & Operations, Workforce & Culture, and Marketplace—the plan has sharpened ABA’s focus on growth and sustainability across the travel and transportation sectors.
In a forthcoming feature in the Q3 2025 issue, International Explorer cites ABA’s reinvigorated presence on Capitol Hill, record-breaking Marketplace 2025 event, and member-first culture as proof of the Association’s transformation. The organization has accelerated its communication and thought leadership, nearly tripling content production in 2025 to strengthen public understanding of the essential role of motorcoaches in tourism, sustainability, and community connectivity.
Modernization has been another hallmark of ABA’s work. From developing credentialed safety and workforce programs to investing in a new brand identity and redesigned digital presence, ABA is positioning the industry for long-term success.
At the same time, the Association is expanding credentialed education programs through the Bus Industry Safety Council, advancing workforce initiatives via the Driving Force Council, and investing in talent development at a moment when labor shortages are a critical industry challenge. These efforts reflect ABA’s commitment to ensuring the industry’s long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
For International Explorer, the choice to honor ABA this year reflected more than operational milestones; it signaled the association’s pivotal role as an “architect of modern travel.” With its centenary on the horizon, ABA is not only celebrating a legacy of service but also charting a future where group travel is strategically elevated through stronger safety frameworks, smarter workforce solutions, and deeper collaboration across the industry.
“This award is not only a recognition of our legacy but of our vision for the future,” said Ferguson. “ABA is proud to lead the way in elevating group travel as a vital part of the American tourism and transportation story.”
