Travel and tourism industry veteran Juergen Steinmetz, born 1957 in Duesseldorf, Germany, has more than 35 years of experience in the travel & tourism industry under his belt. He graduated with a travel and tourism degree from the university in Dusseldorf, Germany. His career in travel and tourism started with Hapag Lloyd Travel in 1978.

Mr. Steinmetz started his own airline consolidator firm in 1980 in Germany. In 1984, he  moved to the United States where his career in travel and tourism would further flourish. Mr. Steinmetz lived in Hawaii since 1988. His experience in the industry is vast, from managing partnership in a travel and tour company to owning various tour companies. In 1999, he partnered with public relations and marketing firm Bloody Good Stuff whereby he was made responsible for representing Indonesia Tourism to the US and Canadian markets.

Never missing the opportunity to expand his experience in the industry, he founded eTurboNews 2001.  eTurboNews has since become not only one of the most read travel trade publications but it is also regarded as one of the most influential in travel media. His work with eTurboNews has facilitated his involvement with the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s Task Force Against the Sexual Exploitation of Children through Travel and Tourism where he sits as a member of the Executive Committee. 

Mr. Steinmetz served on the export council, appointed by the United States Department of Commerce. He served as an industry member of PATA and is currently chairman of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners.