EF Adventures’ New Tour Operator Brand Launched by CEO Heidi Durflinger Targets Active Travelers in Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific – Travel And Tour World

EF World Journeys USA, a leading company in guided, experiential travel, has appointed Heidi Durflinger as its new CEO. With over two decades of experience in the travel and tourism industry, Durflinger is set to continue the company’s legacy of connecting travelers with authentic, life-changing experiences. Under her leadership, the company aims to expand its range of tours for a wide demographic, from Gen Z to Baby Boomers, ensuring that people of all ages have the opportunity to explore the world.

EF World Journeys, which includes popular tour brands like EF Go Ahead Tours, EF Ultimate Break, and EF Adventures, has been a major player in the travel industry for nearly 35 years. The company operates more than 200 guided tours across six continents, offering travelers unique experiences in over 400 destinations worldwide. With the recent launch of its new tour operator brand, EF Adventures, in September 2024, the company is broadening its portfolio to cater to active travelers with hiking, biking, and multi-adventure tours across three continents.

Durflinger, who began her career with EF Go Ahead Tours in 2004 as a sales consultant, has held various senior leadership roles, including President of EF Go Ahead Tours in 2014 and President of EF World Journeys in 2021. Since taking the reins as President, she has overseen the tripling of customer size for the adult leisure tour business. Notably, EF World Journeys was one of the first tour operators to recover to pre-pandemic booking levels in 2022, demonstrating Durflinger’s ability to lead the company through challenging times.

“I joined EF Go Ahead Tours in a sales role over 20 years ago, inspired by our mission to open the world through education,” Durflinger said. “I continue to be energized two decades later as we help more customers experience and learn about the world and themselves through travel. I’m truly fortunate to work side-by-side with this amazing team as we look to expand our business in the years to come.”

EF World Journeys’ diverse portfolio caters to a broad spectrum of travelers. EF Go Ahead Tours is designed for adults aged 35 and above, with more than 200 guided tours across six continents, including destinations in Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. EF Ultimate Break, which targets Gen Z and Millennial travelers aged 18-35, offers over 140 guided tours focused on cultural immersion, exploration, and adventure. EF Adventures, launched in 2024, is for active travelers and offers culturally immersive, adventure-filled tours for those seeking hiking, biking, and multi-adventure experiences.

With Durflinger at the helm, EF World Journeys is poised to continue its focus on delivering personalized and enriching travel experiences. The company is committed to making travel safe, accessible, and affordable for all its customers while maintaining a high standard of customer service. EF World Journeys prides itself on fostering connections between people and cultures through travel, and Durflinger’s leadership will further this mission as the company expands into new markets and destinations.

Durflinger’s personal passion for travel has played a crucial role in her leadership approach. Growing up in Belleville, Kansas, she was exposed to the world through international exchange students hosted by her family. Her love for travel grew stronger during her studies at Kansas State University, where she pursued a degree in Marketing and International Business. Later, Durflinger’s travels took her to places like Italy, Mexico, and Spain, where she immersed herself in the local cultures, eventually traveling to 50 countries. This rich travel background enables her to empathize with the desires and aspirations of travelers and guide the company toward creating more authentic and engaging experiences.

For Durflinger, travel is about more than just visiting new places; it’s about the personal growth and transformation that come with it. She believes in the power of travel to change lives by opening minds and fostering understanding between people from different backgrounds. Under her leadership, EF World Journeys will continue to focus on its core values of education, cultural exchange, and community.

Durflinger’s recent travel experiences include participating in a self-supported ultra-marathon in the desert of Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain, which exemplifies her commitment to wellness and adventure. Her leadership vision for EF World Journeys centers on the desire to offer travelers opportunities for self-discovery, physical challenges, and, most importantly, connecting with the world in a deeper, more meaningful way.

EF World Journeys is part of EF Education First, a family-owned global company that has been at the forefront of educational travel for nearly six decades. Since its founding in 1965, EF has offered guided tours that focus on cultural immersion, learning, and community. Today, EF operates in over 50 countries and offers a variety of educational services, including language learning, academic programs, and cultural exchange services.

“We’re committed to making travel as safe as possible while providing authentic, life-changing travel experiences,” Durflinger added. “At EF, we don’t just plan travel; we live and breathe for the opportunity to create moments of education and enlightenment.”

EF World Journeys continues to lead the way in guided travel, offering enriching experiences for adults of all ages. With Durflinger’s extensive experience and dedication to the company’s mission, EF World Journeys is set to continue shaping the future of experiential travel for years to come.