Anita Pagliasso, Vice President of Industry Relations at KHM Travel Group, has been elected as President of the California Coalition of Travel Organizations (CCTO) for the 2025 term. Having served as Vice President for two consecutive terms (four years), Anita’s dedication and leadership have been instrumental in advancing CCTO’s mission. CCTO plays a critical role in advocating for California’s travel advisors and the travel industry as a whole by working closely with policymakers, industry partners, and national organizations to shape impactful policies and initiatives.
“I’m honored and excited to accept this position. CCTO has been a driving force for positive change within the travel industry, and I’m committed to continuing our efforts to support and empower travel advisors across California,” said Anita Pagliasso.
Anita began her career in 1992 when she launched her own home-based travel agency. Her expertise and success quickly drew attention, leading her to mentor and guide thousands of travel advisors. Over the years, Anita has established herself as a prominent industry speaker, advocate for home-based agents, author, and a respected leader in the travel community.
Since joining KHM Travel Group in 2020, Anita has brought her passion for advocacy and education to the company’s network of independent travel advisors. Her leadership and industry connections have strengthened KHM Travel Group’s mission to empower travel agents through education, mentorship, and advocacy.
Beyond her roles at KHM Travel Group and CCTO, Anita serves as President of the Professional Association of Travel Hosts (PATH), Co-Chair of CLIA’s STARBoard, and a member of The Travel Institute’s Professional Educators Program. In 2021, she was honored with ASTA’s prestigious Barbara O’Hara Advocacy Award for her significant contributions to governmental advocacy on behalf of the travel industry.
Anita’s vision for her CCTO presidency includes fostering stronger relationships between independent travel agents and the organizations that work to protect and promote the profession.
To learn more about becoming an independent travel agent with KHM Travel Group and leveraging its extensive industry resources, visit KHMTravel.com.
ABOUT KHM TRAVEL GROUP – KHM Travel Group is an award-winning host travel agency, currently supporting over 5,000 independent travel advisors across the United States. With an innovative education and support program, the KHM Travel Group team works to empower, educate, support, and promote independent travel agents in their journeys to build successful businesses. KHM Travel Group is driven by a set of People First Core Values and passion for helping others experience the world. Learn more at KHMTravel.com.
ABOUT CCTO – The California Coalition of Travel Organizations (CCTO) is a coalition of leading advocacy grouprepresenting the interests of travel advisors, agencies, and industry stakeholders in California. CCTO actively engages with state and national policymakers to ensure fair regulations, protect independent contractors, and advance the travel industry’s economic contributions. By uniting industry professionals under a common cause, CCTO continues to be a powerful voice for travel businesses across the state. For more information about CCTO and its advocacy efforts, visit www.cctravel.org.
