IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has announced that it has brought Kelly Repass on board as its new director of global research. This move reinforces the organisation’s commitment to providing critical research and industry analysis to its members around the world.
Repass will be responsible for developing a new strategy for IAAPA’s research program, as well as overseeing its implementation.
Extensive experience
“Kelly comes to IAAPA with extensive travel and tourism experience leading consumer and industry research programs, understanding data, and presenting results in a comprehensive, and useful manner,” says Josh Powers, executive vice president and chief financial officer, IAAPA.
“She will lead IAAPA’s efforts to conduct, analyze, and share market research to address the trends and opportunities that will shape the future of the attractions industry.”
In her most recent role, Repass was consumer insights manager for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. She has also previously held the role of manager of market research and consumer insights at Celebrity Cruises and has served in research positions at both SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment and Visit Orlando. In total, she has over two decades of research experience in the tourism industry.
Repass gained her BSc at Pennsylvania State University and has previously served on committees and organization boards for organisations such as the U.S. Travel Association, the Travel and Tourism Research Association, and Destination Marketing Association International.
She will report directly to Powers as she leads IAAPA’s global market research and data analysis initiatives, with a key focus on econometric and operational research. Repass will be based at IAAPA’s global headquarters in Orlando, Florida.
Last week, IAAPA announced that it will reveal the winners of its annual awards programs during the week of 1 – 5 November in a series of special online sessions. These awards recognise excellence, dedication and service within the global attractions industry.
