The Visitor International Story: 50 Years of Guiding Visitors to Great Experiences
Celebrating our journey from brochure pioneers to a worldwide network of visitor information providers
Visitor International – The International Association of Visitor Information Providers traces its origins back to 1975, when six pioneering brochure distribution companies in the USA came together to form The Association of Professional Brochure Distributors. Its founders—Terry McDonough of Florida Folder Service (now Brochure Displays, Inc.), the late Bill Miller of FPIS, Inc., Art Miller of Florida Timetable Service, Harper Thaw of Southern Folder Distribution Co., and Bob Price and Jim Howell of Southern Travel Information Service—recognised the value of working together, sharing referrals, and promoting high professional standards.
From those early beginnings, the association grew steadily. What started as a North American network expanded to Ireland when Glance Visitor Media joined in 1999. Since then the association has gained members from across Europe, Africa, and Australia to become truly international. Today, members are based in more than a dozen countries and support clients by guiding visitors to destinations, attractions, activities, dining, retail, transport services and more.
In 2016, the association changed its name to Visitor International – The International Association of Visitor Information Providers, reflecting the wider range of services now offered across the membership. While every member specializes in visitor brochure distribution, many also provide related services—from maps and guides to mini-cards, digital kiosks, websites, and discovery screens. Not every member does all of these, but together, the network represents visitor information in its broadest and most effective forms.
The association predates the internet by sixteen years and has embraced the challenge of digital—helping members combine the enduring power of print with the opportunities of new technology. It has also provided mutual support through periods of change, including the disruption of COVID-19, where the value of collaboration and adaptability was especially clear.
Equipping Members to Guide Visitors and Win Business
Visitor International exists to help its members and their clients succeed—by equipping them with research, insights, and resources to guide visitors effectively and profitably. It offers exclusive consumer and trade research, shared messaging tools, and opportunities to learn from fellow members.
Each year, members gather for the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), hosted in a different country by one of the member companies. The AGM is both a working event and a celebration of the network, and each year a President is elected from within the membership to serve and represent the association. Below, you’ll find a listing of past AGM locations, host members, and association presidents—reflecting our global reach and spirit of shared leadership.
As we celebrate our 50th year in 2025, we continue to champion the importance of quality visitor information and the shared value of working together as a global network.
A Legacy of Annual Gatherings – Visitor International AGMs (1975–2025)
Meet Our Members Around the World
Visitor International is a global network of specialist visitor information providers—helping travelers discover great experiences through brochures, maps, guides, and increasingly digital solutions. Explore our members and the regions they serve.
Whether you’re a tourism business, a potential display host, or curious about how visitor information drives engagement, this is where connection begins.