WILTON, CT — Arthur C. Tauck, Jr., one of the travel industry’s original greats and biggest boosters, has passed away at the age of 94.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Arthur C. Tauck, Jr., an extraordinary leader whose influence shaped not only his company, but the broader travel and tour industry for generations,” said the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA).

At the age of 19, in 1950, the young Tauck joined his father’s tour company, Tauck Tours, and got his start as a tour director. After several years in the United States Air Force, he rejoined Tauck in 1956 and was appointed President 1958.

His obituary can be found here, in the Westport Journal.

Chairman Emeritus of Tauck and founder and past president of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), Arthur “was a true visionary,” said ASTA. “His steady leadership guided Tauck to its 100th year in business – a milestone that stands as a testament to his integrity, foresight and unwavering commitment to excellence.

“Trustworthy and genuine, Arthur was known for his huge heart, lasting smile and gift as an extraordinary storyteller. Yet those qualities only begin to describe the impact he made. He was a mentor, a colleague and a friend to many throughout the industry. His dedication to strengthening and elevating the tour sector helped create the foundation upon which so many travel professionals continue to build today.”

Arthur was inducted into the ASTA Hall of Fame in 1990. Tauck has been family owned for four generations, and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025. The company is a world leader in upscale guided travel, with more than 170 land tours, safaris, river cruises, small ship ocean cruises and family travel adventures to 65+ countries and all seven continents.

“Arthur’s legacy extends far beyond the organizations he led. It lives on in the standards he set, the relationships he nurtured and the countless lives and careers he influenced. His spirit of collaboration and principled leadership will continue to inspire our industry for years to come. Our hearts go out to his family and colleagues during this difficult time,” said ASTA. “Arthur will be deeply missed, but his remarkable legacy will endure.”

The Tauck family will celebrate his life in a private memorial service later this spring. Contributions in his memory may be made to Tourism Cares or to Fairfield County’s Community Foundation in Wilton, CT.