Lissy Donald_ Transforming Student Travel into Lifelong Learning Experiences.pdf

Lissy Donald, Managing Director of Compass International Tours, makes a difference. At the heart of the company’s success, she drives a powerful vision centered on purposeful, educational travel.

1. When thoughtful leadership is missing, even the best ideas can fall short,
especially in an industry like travel and tourism, where every detail shapes an
experience. Without a clear vision and purpose, opportunities can slip away, and
what should be a meaningful journey can risk becoming just another trip. But
with the right leadership, everything shifts. Strong leadership brings direction,
empathy, and purpose—turning plans into impactful experiences that stay with
people long after the journey ends. This is exactly where Lissy Donald, Managing Director of Compass International
Tours, makes a difference. At the heart of the company’s success, she drives a
powerful vision centered on purposeful, educational travel. Under her guidance,
Compass has grown its presence across the UAE, GCC, and India, curating over
100 student-focused tours each year that seamlessly blend learning with cultural
exploration. Lissy leads major collaborations, including with the UAE Space
Agency and the US Space & Rocket Center, resulting in the launch of the Space

2. and Rocketry Academy (SARA UAE), which delivers immersive STEM programs
to young learners.
Her empathetic leadership style, strategic mindset, and deep understanding of
youth development have earned Compass lasting partnerships with leading
institutions like GEMS Education, Taleem, and Aldar. Recognized by the office
of Sheikh Hamdan for her work with gifted students, Lissy continues to redefine
what student travel can be—rooted in purpose, designed to inspire, and built to
create meaningful impact.
Vision for Transformative Educational Travel
Lissy Donald’s journey into the travel and tourism industry has been driven by a
deep personal passion and a strong professional purpose. She has long believed
in the power of travel to transform lives—especially for young people—by
fostering learning, growth, and global understanding. From an early age, she was
drawn to roles that brought people together, seeing travel not just as a career but
as a calling. Captivated by how travel opens minds and changes perspectives, she
entered the industry with a desire to learn and make a difference. Over time, that
desire evolved into a broader vision—not just to plan trips, but to craft
meaningful, impactful experiences that spark curiosity and growth in young
learners.
The UAE provided the perfect setting for her to turn this vision into reality. Its
culture of innovation, diversity, and future-oriented mindset aligned with her
goals and inspired her to act. This led to the creation of the SARA UAE, in
collaboration with the UAE’s mission of “space education for all.” Through
SARA, Lissy Donald offers hands-on STEM learning to help students imagine
bold futures in fields like space science and engineering. Her leadership has
enabled her to develop purposeful programs that are educational and truly
transformative.

3. Despite the pace and pressure of the industry, she remains focused on delivering
travel experiences that go beyond logistics—experiences that inspire, connect,
and leave a lasting impact. For Lissy Donald, meaningful travel is about
changing how people see the world—and themselves—and the UAE has become
the ideal platform to bring that vision to life.
Thoughtful Design, Meaningful Impact
Compass has carved out a unique space, not just because of what they offer, but
because of how they approach their work. What sets the company apart is its
strong foundation of integrity, attention to detail, and a deep passion for
empowering young minds through travel. Every trip is thoughtfully designed with
the belief that travel can be a powerful, life-changing experience, especially for
students. The focus goes beyond sightseeing—it’s about helping young people
grow into confident, curious, and capable future leaders. While many companies have come and gone with changing trends, Compass has
remained steady by staying true to its values. Their success doesn’t rely on flashy
marketing but on consistent quality, genuine care, and a commitment to
meaningful experiences. For Compass, it’s not just about taking people from one
destination to another—it’s about sparking curiosity, building confidence, and
leaving a lasting impact. That’s what makes the Compass experience truly
different. Blending Academics with Global Exploration
Compass has significantly impacted tourism and educational travel in the UAE
and globally, serving thousands of students, educators, and institutions through
carefully curated programs that blend academic learning with cultural
exploration. Each year, the company organizes hundreds of experiential tours
worldwide—from STEM programs in the U.S. to history and humanities trips
across Europe and Asia.

4. In the UAE, Compass has been instrumental in shaping educational tourism by
partnering with schools, ministries, and global organizations to offer
transformative travel experiences. The success is evident in the volume of tours
and the positive feedback from educators who highlight how these journeys
deepen students’ understanding and spark curiosity. At its core, Compass
believes in the transformative power of travel and takes pride in making that
transformation a reality.

Experiential Learning
Compass is redefining educational travel by creating purpose-driven, meaningful
experiences that go far beyond sightseeing. With Lissy Donald’s support, the
company is focused on helping students explore the world deeply while
discovering their identity and potential. With a vision to reach and inspire
people globally, Compass designs experiential journeys that combine hands-on
workshops, expert-led sessions, cultural immersions, and global competitions

5. like Model UNs. Their programs emphasize education beyond the classroom,
building confidence, empathy, and adaptability in students. E
very trip is tailored in collaboration with educators to meet specific goals,
budgets, and timelines, while smart technology ensures smooth, engaging travel.
A strong focus on safety and growing regional travel across Asia and the Middle
East also reflects their commitment to accessibility and well-being. Through
these forward-thinking initiatives, Compass continues to lead with purpose,
innovation, and impact in the future of global student travel.
Purposeful Travel That Leaves a Lasting Impact
Every successful trip organized by Compass is considered a milestone in itself.
Each journey is designed not just to meet logistics but to create a meaningful,
lasting impact—helping students grow, build confidence, and view the world
through a wider lens. These programs are more than travel experiences; they are
life-shaping journeys that leave an imprint on every participant.
Over the years, several key achievements stand out:
●​UAE Space Agency Partnership: Launched advanced STEM space
education programs, inspiring thousands of students toward space
science careers.
●​Recognition by Sheikh Hamdan’s Office: Honored for leading a
specialized rocketry camp for gifted students, highlighting excellence in
educational travel.
●​Sharjah Youth Initiatives: Created customized learning journeys to
foster leadership, creativity, and global awareness in youth.
These milestones are the result of visionary leadership rooted in empathy,
strategic insight, and a deep passion for purposeful travel.
Under this guidance, Compass has cultivated:

6. ●​A strong empathy-first approach, ensuring every journey is meaningful
for students, educators, and parents.
●​A collaborative team culture, where diverse perspectives lead to resilient
and creative solutions.
●​A firm focus on safety and thoughtful planning is especially important
when working with young travelers.
●​Long-standing, trust-based partnerships with institutions, schools, and
local stakeholders.
With a focus on inclusivity and intentional design, Compass continues to grow
while staying true to its mission: to empower the next generation through
experiential education, cross-cultural understanding, and transformative
travel.
Partnerships
Compass has built strong partnerships to enhance its educational travel
experiences. One key collaboration was with the US Space & Rocket Center
(USSRC), through which Compass became the regional partner for the Middle
East and India. Along with this partnership, Compass also partnered with
COSMODOME in Canada and, Euro Space Center in Belgium. Another important
association was with the UAE Space Agency. Compass launched the Space and
Rocketry Academy in the UAE, designed to inspire students aged 9 to 18 by
offering hands-on learning in space science and exploration. In addition to these initiatives, Compass has strengthened its role in educational
travel by working closely with schools and institutions. It serves as the official
travel partner for organizations like GEMS Education, Taleem Education,
Aldar, and Fortes, helping to design travel programs that support academic
goals across Dubai, the GCC, and India. Looking ahead, Compass remains
focused on expanding its reach and continuing to deliver innovative, impactful
educational journeys for students around the world.

7. Compass also forged partnerships with the Think Science Program by the UAE
government: Partnered and participated for three consecutive years, reaching out
to 1000s of students, educating them about Space education. Destination
Imagination: Compass partnered with this US based 21st century Learning
program for 6 years, in the UAE and India
Curiosity at the Core
Staying innovative, for the team at Compass International Tours, means staying
curious, open-minded, and adaptable. They continuously learn and evolve by
embracing new technologies, refreshing their customer engagement strategies,
and keeping a close eye on global travel trends. The company actively brings in
young, tech-savvy professionals who bring fresh energy and help the team stay
updated with the latest tools and digital platforms. Regular in-house training
sessions on AI, software, and emerging tech are an essential part of the company
culture. Periodic team meetings also provide a space to share ideas, review
updates, and refine strategies, ensuring they remain proactive and
forward-thinking rather than simply responding to change. Culture of Confidence and Recognition
For Lissy Donald, leadership means building trust, fostering ownership, and
enabling personal growth. She believes that people thrive when genuinely
supported, so she creates a culture where every team member feels confident,
empowered to make decisions, and valued for their contributions. Attuned to
hidden potential, she offers encouragement that helps others shine. Her
leadership is rooted in open communication, clear delegation, and providing the
tools and guidance her team needs to grow professionally and personally. In a fast-paced, people-driven industry, she prioritizes adaptability by equipping
her team with real-time information and responsive support. Whether managing
last-minute challenges or exceeding client expectations, she ensures every effort

8. is recognized. Through consistent feedback, mentorship, and appreciation, she
develops leaders at all levels, grounded in the belief that the human touch is what
truly defines exceptional service.
Leading Beyond Labels
When Lissy Donald sits across the table, she doesn’t lead with gender—she leads
as a professional. Her focus is on finding solutions, creating value, and building
something meaningful. To her, success is simple: if a decision benefits everyone
and aligns with company values, it’s worth pursuing; if not, it’s left behind,
regardless of who suggests it. Lissy never sought shortcuts or special treatment
as a woman. Her seat at the table was earned through hard work, persistence, and
consistently showing up—even in tough times. She believes in real equality, reflected in how people think, lead, and collaborate.
Having shared space with world leaders, including the UAE Prime Minister and
NASA astronauts, she has never felt overlooked. Respect, she believes, is earned
through competence, clarity, and commitment.
While men and women may differ, success in her field relies not on physical
strength but on emotional resilience, insight, and ability. That’s what she
brings—every time. For Lissy Donald, integrity isn’t just a value; it defines her.
And while some may quietly question a woman’s leadership, she gives those
doubts no space. What matters is delivering success for herself, her team, and the
vision they’re building.

9. Travel with Heart, Vision, and Meaning

10. Lissy Donald emphasizes that success goes far beyond logistics—it’s about people,
purpose, and impact.
She shares that for anyone stepping into this dynamic space, some key values
and practices can truly shape a fulfilling journey:
●​Prioritize people over places: Travel is about shaping human experiences
and lasting memories, not just planning trips.
●​Stay curious and adaptable: Embrace change and keep learning to stay
inspired and relevant.
●​Lead with empathy and integrity: Trust grows through genuine care,
especially during challenges.
●​Remain resilient under pressure: Calm, solution-oriented responses
make the biggest impact.
●​Stay connected to your purpose: Your “why” fuels passion and guides
you through tough times.

11. ●​Aim to create impact, not just itineraries: Intentional travel transforms
lives and builds meaningful connections.
Lissy Donald believes that this industry offers more than a career—it offers a
chance to make a real difference, one journey at a time.
Lissy Donald’s 5 Impactful Business Mantras
●​Purpose Fuels Progress: Always connect your work to a deeper
mission—meaningful impact creates lasting value.
●​Curiosity Drives Innovation: Stay open, adaptable, and eager to
learn—growth comes from continuous exploration.
●​Lead with Empathy and Integrity: True leadership builds trust,
empowers people, and earns respect through action.
●​Design for Transformation, Not Just Delivery: Go beyond
logistics—create experiences that shape minds and spark change.
●​Resilience is the Real Strength: Show up with clarity and courage,
especially in challenging times.