Heidi Durflinger Takes the Helm as CEO of EF World Journeys USA, Transforming Experiential Travel for All Ages

EF World Journeys USA Welcomes New CEO Heidi Durflinger

EF World Journeys USA, a prominent name in guided experiential travel, has appointed seasoned travel expert Heidi Durflinger as its new CEO. With over 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism sector, Durflinger brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to her leadership role in a company that caters to travelers from Gen Z to Baby Boomers.

Durflinger’s journey with EF began more than two decades ago when she joined as a sales consultant at EF Go Ahead Tours. Her dedication and passion for travel have driven her through various senior leadership positions, culminating in her recent appointment. Previously serving as President of EF World Journeys in North America, she was instrumental in spearheading the growth of their brands, including EF Go Ahead, EF Ultimate Break, and EF Adventures. Under her leadership, customer growth in the adult leisure tour sector has tripled since she took on the role of President of EF Go Ahead Tours in 2014, an impressive feat considering the challenges faced during the pandemic.

In September 2024, the company introduced EF Adventures, a new brand focused on active and wellness-oriented travel, which offers hiking, biking, and multi-adventure tours across three continents. This expansion signifies EF World Journeys’ commitment to diversifying its travel offerings and enhancing customer experiences.

Speaking on her new role, Durflinger expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I joined EF Go Ahead Tours over 20 years ago, inspired by our mission to open the world through education. The journey has been immensely rewarding, and I am excited to lead our incredible team in providing unique travel experiences that educate and enlighten our customers.”

Edward Hult, CEO of EF Education First, praised Durflinger, noting her customer-centric mindset and commitment to growth. “For 20 years, Heidi has prioritized our customers’ needs and has built a strong rapport with them,” said Hult. “Her work ethic and innovative approach have positioned EF World Journeys for sustained growth in an ever-evolving industry.”

EF World Journeys has been connecting travelers with cultures and communities for nearly 35 years, continually adapting its tour offerings to meet the needs of modern adventurers. Annually, the company facilitates travel for tens of thousands of adult travelers from the United States and Canada, offering tours to over 400 destinations worldwide across Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Durflinger's extensive travel experience includes visiting 50 countries and participating in unique activities, such as completing an ultra-marathon in the deserts of Fuerteventura in Spain. Her diverse background and passion for wellness and cultural exchange further enhance her vision for EF World Journeys as it focuses on delivering enriching travel experiences.

Under her leadership, the company aims to foster a greater sense of community and connection among travelers, ensuring that each journey is not just a vacation, but a life-changing experience. “At EF, we don’t just plan trips; we strive to create moments of understanding and education through travel,” Durflinger stated.

As EF World Journeys embarks on this new chapter with Durflinger at the helm, travelers can anticipate an exciting evolution in guided travel experiences that are rooted in exploration, cultural immersion, and lifelong learning. With a clear vision for the future and a commitment to bringing people together through travel, Durflinger is poised to make a significant impact on the tourism industry in the years to come.