Karen Stotz
Background
Karen’s passion for travel became a reality when she started working for the Australian Tourism Commission in Chicago in 1988. Since then she has visited all states and territories of Australia and learned about many of the country’s unique places and experiences.
Karen was Tourism Tasmania’s Trade Development Executive in North America for 10 years, before joining DCI in 2008, where she continues to represent Tasmania.
Karen’s Passion for Places
Karen has always been intrigued by travel and loves to experience different cultures. She has vacationed throughout Europe and the Caribbean, and has traveled extensively throughout Australia, where she is regularly inspired by the sincerity and friendliness Australia’s people. Yet what she finds most rewarding is inspiring others to travel by sharing her personal encounters.
Notable Results
- Since 1999, Karen has been responsible for developing the Tasmania Specialist Program – a continuing education program for agents that specialize in selling Australia. She created the first Tassie Specialist training module, conducts regular educational webinars, coordinates familiarization programs, and implements cooperative marketing programs.
- She has initiated partnerships with six Australian travel wholesale companies and Virtuoso, resulting in increased Tasmanian product availability and distribution to the North American consumer.
- Karen was instrumental in Tourism Tasmania receiving an Opal Award for “Best Australian State Tourism Office in North America” for six years 2002 – 2007, voted for by Aussie Specialist travel agents at their annual conference – Corroboree.
Up Close
Karen grew up in England and came to the US in 1983 to travel around and see the country. As a child, she was always fascinated by all things American and it was her dream to one day live in the US, which she has been doing now for the past 25 years. Karen loves the outdoors – preferably on or near water. Maybe growing up in England and now living in Chicago has made her especially keen to make the most of every warm sunny day.
Where You’ll Find Karen on the Weekend
On every available weekend between May and October, Karen loves to relax at her summer cottage in southwest Michigan with husband Jim, son Tim and dog Charlie. Swimming, waterskiing or just sitting on the beach at Lake Michigan watching the sun set over the lake – you feel like you are on vacation every weekend.
Places that Karen has Called Home
Woodford Green, England
Elmhurst, Illinois
Surprising Facts about Karen
A Picture Paints a Thousand Words
Whilst Karen is not much of a singer or actor (the mere thought of a public performance is enough to give her nightmares), she is a pretty good artist. In fact, she has occasionally produced artwork worthy of displaying and even some of her home decorating has been mistaken for professional. She would like to spend more time in the future learning how to paint with watercolors.
A Sailor….. Not!
In the early 80’s Karen spent some time working at a boat marina in Texas where she learned how to sail. She was part of a 4-person crew that sailed a 40 ft yacht across the Gulf of Mexico over 7 days. This was an amazing experience but one not to be repeated as on the trip she discovered that she was prone to seasickness! Now she sticks to lakes and very large motorized vessels but still loves the water.
British American
Karen’s decision to move from England was due to a last minute change of vacation plans. Her upcoming trip to Sri Lanka fell through and instead she decided to take a 6-week bus tour across the US. 25 years later, Karen now calls the US her home and became an American citizen in 2004..
