Lissy Donald, CEO and MD, Compass International Tours Fz, LLC
In 2019, under the blazing desert Sun of Dubai, over 150 handmade rockets pierced the sky, their trails etching hope into the horizon. Children cheered, parents were thrilled, and educators stood in awe. This was not just any ordinary science experiment; it was a testament to Compass International Tour’s vision: to empower young minds through hands-on learning and immersive educational experiences.
The event, hailed by Khaleej Times as a “dream rockets soar high” moment and reported by Hashtag Dubai as “the biggest model rocket launch in the GCC,” marked a turning point for Compass International Tours Fz, LLC. For CEO and MD Lissy Donald, moments like these validate her two-decade journey to redefine travel as a catalyst for transformation. “Failure is always the path to success. The fact that we tried is a big step—and we’ll make it the second time for sure,” observes the CEO in a conversation with The National.
From Corporate Logistics to Classroom Revolution: The Compass Journey
Founded in 2002 as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) specialist, Compass International quickly earned accolades for orchestrating seamless corporate journeys for giants like Johnson & Johnson. But by 2010, Lissy sensed a disconnect. “I felt something was missing,” Lissy reflects. “While the business thrived, I wanted to create a more meaningful impact.” This realization sparked a transformation. Compass pivoted from corporate logistics to become a global leader in space education—blending curriculum learning with real-world applications.
“At the time, UAE schools were mostly offering passive sightseeing trips. I was determined to change that, introducing a fresh perspective where travel became an extension of the classroom—engaging, interactive, and globally connected,” observes the CEO. Compass revolutionized this by pioneering hands-on, STEM-focused experiences—and none more impactful than its space education initiatives.
Partnering with NASA’s US Space & Rocket Center, Compass International launched its first Space Camp in 2015, bringing astronauts like Dr. Jim Rice, a Mars exploration expert, to UAE classrooms. As the Gulf News notes the impact, “NASA experts inspired students at the country’s first space camp, sparking a passion for science.”
The 2019 rocket launch, however, cemented Compass International’s reputation. As Hashtag Dubai reported, students didn’t just attend—they engineered their rockets during SARAUAE camps, a program co-developed with the UAE Space Agency.
The Concept of “3D Education”: A Direction Towards Success
Compass’s transformative philosophy of the 3D Education system—places Direction, Determination, and Destination at the heart of their journey.
“We firmly believe that when students are given the right direction and opportunities, they can reach extraordinary destinations,” explains Donald. “Our mission is to expose young minds to global possibilities, inspiring them to dream beyond boundaries.” This philosophy manifests in every itinerary of Compass International that fuses curriculum rigor with real-world relevance.
By integrating experiential learning into her transformative 3D Education model, Lissy Donald actively engages students, moving beyond the traditionally passive framework of 2D learning. Collaborating with institutions like NASA’s Space & Rocket Center and Canada’s Cosmodome, Compass grants students unparalleled access to industry experts. By integrating hands-on workshops, and expert-led sessions with exclusive industry access, Compass creates experiences that ignite a student’s confidence far beyond the confines of a textbook.
Weathering Storms: Resilience in the Face of Challenge
The transition from traditional corporate travel to experience-driven educational tours was far from smooth. Educating the market, establishing credibility, and managing the intricate logistics of specialized tours posed significant challenges. “Convincing schools, parents, and students that travel could be a powerful educational tool required extensive communication and real-life success stories,” Lissy recalls. The UAE’s stringent child safeguarding regulations added another layer of complexity, demanding unwavering commitment to safety and meticulous planning.
To combat the challenges, Compass International implemented stringent safety protocols, partnered with prestigious institutions like NASA’s US Space & Rocket Center and Canada’s Cosmodome, and ensured that every trip delivered measurable educational value. Additionally, they introduced subject-specific itineraries in STEM, business, sustainability, and space exploration, further strengthening their credibility in the field.
Even during COVID-19, when global travel halted, Compass pivoted to a hybrid educational model, combining online prep with eventual on-ground trips—kept their mission alive. While virtual exchanges with global universities kept her students engaged. Their adaptability ensured learning is a non-stop process amidst adversity.
What Sets Compass Apart: Values, Trust, and the Art of Crafting Journeys
At the threshold of its glorious 23 years, Compass International stands invincible to the test of time and trials so demanding that no one even dared to contemplate. What sets them apart? It’s not just their experience—it’s their vision. Guided by unwavering trust, bold innovation, and a legacy etched in excellence through transformative experiences, Compass International boldly transcends the status of just a travel agency. It has evolved into a platform that reimagines travel as a dynamic classroom—where students don’t just observe the world but shape it. Their success lies in the company’s unwavering commitment to merging educational excellence with human-centric values. At the core of its “Community of Happy Travelers” lies an unflinching promise to deliver transformative journeys anchored in safety, innovation, and trust.
Every itinerary is tailored to align with their student’s goals, whether they are decoding robotics with Sony engineers in Tokyo or restoring coral reefs in Australia. Partnering with vetted experts from NASA scientists to Arctic researchers, ensures authenticity, while 24/7 on-ground support and rigorous safety protocols prioritize well-being.
Behind the scenes, Compass thrives on a culture of collaboration and adaptability, encouraging inclusivity through programs accessible to students of all groups. The teams brainstorm ideas to integrate emerging trends—like AI workshops or sustainability projects—while maintaining transparent communication with schools and families. Finally, the post-trip feedback and continuous improvement gained through the travelers’ insights, refine and enhance their future offerings.
By blending integrity, inclusivity, and hands-on learning, Compass turns classrooms into global adventures, where every journey sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and transforms the lives of travelers. “The well-being of our students and staff is paramount. We maintain the highest safety standards while promoting responsible travel, sustainability, and ethical tourism,” Lissy asserts.
The Road Ahead: Aligning with a Nation’s Ambitions
Looking ahead, Compass International aims to become the premier educational travel company recognized by the UAE government, ensuring that its programs are integrated into every school across the nation. Becoming the UAE’s flagship educational travel partner, Lissy announces, “We envision to be that one educational travel company that the UAE takes pride in—one that aligns 100% with the UAE’s agenda of advancing education and empowering youth & shaping global leaders of the future.”
For Compass, the future isn’t about destinations—it’s about direction. It’s about lighting sparks in young minds today that become the fires of innovation tomorrow. As students across the UAE look to the stars, Compass ensures that they are fully equipped not only with the tools but also with the belief to pursue their passion with grit, confidence, and boundless curiosity. But, for Lissy Donald, who redefined the essence of travel as a bridge between ambition and achievement, the journey seems to be unending, with aspirations taking flight beyond the limitless horizon.