Author Archives: TravelPulse.com People Headlines

TTC Tour Brands Announces Changes To North American Sales Team

WHY IT RATES: The move signals a strong commitment to The Travel Corporation's travel advisor partners.—Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior EditorTTC Tour Brands announces changes to the North American sales team with the promotion of Josh Hepp to Vice President of National Accounts from his current role as Director of Strategic Accounts.Ursula Blackburne, currently working under The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) sales team will transition to North America Sales Manager, Brendan Vacations, a Celtic tour company included in TTC Tour Brands. The tour operator sales division is also seeking additional hires for the roles of Director of Strategic Accounts and the new role of Manager of Strategic Accounts. Trending Now Josh Hepp, Vice President of National Accounts, is currently based in Denver, CO, and joined The Travel Corporation in December 2013, as a Regional Sales Manager with Contiki. Hepp has spent the last two years as Director of National Accounts, and prior to that managed the sales managers on the West Coast and Midwest. Hepp’s success in building relationships and growing the business in his current role as Director of National Accounts plus his past achievements leading a sales team proves he will be successful in his new role as Vice President of National Accounts. He is passionate about making impactful travel moments for both guests and communities around the world. “I’m thrilled to expand my responsibilities within TTC Tour Brands as the Vice President of National Accounts,” says Hepp. “TTC continues to put a strong emphasis on the advisor community and as our support structure for advisors expands, it’ll allow us to connect more guests to more memorable, transformative experiences. I’m honored to continue the strong commitment to our travel advisor partners to develop the growth of their tour business segment.”Ursula Blackburne has been a part of the TTC North America sales team since February 2018 and will now transition to focus solely on Brendan Vacations in her new role as North America Sales Manager for the Celtic tour operator. In this role, Blackburne will be responsible for cultivating strong relationships with existing trade partners, driving brand awareness for Brendan Vacations and identifying new customer prospects. Born and raised in Ireland and currently based in Montgomery, Texas, she will be an asset to the Brendan Vacations North America sales team as a Celtic expert who can provide the ultimate support to our advisor partners. Ursula Blackburne, North America Sales Manager, Brendan Vacations. (photo courtesy of TTC Tour Brands) “After starting my career with TTC’s online accounts for the land and river cruise brands sold in North America, I’m looking forward to representing Brendan Vacations,” says Blackburne. “Speaking with clients and travelers about traveling to my homeland is something I am very excited to do as I continue turning my passion for travel into a career. My first-hand knowledge of the destinations will be an asset to the Brendan Vacations sales team and help our sales managers to create brand awareness for the top trending destinations of Ireland and Scotland.” TTC Tour Brands, North America is also looking to fill the role of Director of Strategic Accounts and is adding a new role, Manager of Strategic Accounts. These two positions will report to Hepp along with the Latin Accounts Manager, and Director of National Accounts, Canada. SOURCE: TTC Tour Brands press release. Adblock test (Why?)

MMGY Global Announces Key Changes To Global Leadership Team

WHY IT RATES: MMGY Global kicked off 2022 with two consecutive quarters of record financials. — Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior EditorUshering in a new era for the world’s leading travel and hospitality marketing firm, MMGY Global announced today three key changes to its Global Leadership Team. Effective Jan. 1, 2023, industry veteran and current Chief Executive Officer Clayton Reid will be named Executive Chairman, while current President Katie Briscoe and Chief Operating Officer Craig Compagnone will ascend to the roles of CEO and President and COO, respectively.MMGY Global kicked off 2022 with two consecutive quarters of record financials, now sitting at $250 million in annual billings worldwide. The company also recently added several marquee accounts to its global portfolio, including Pure Michigan, Windstar Cruises, City Experiences and Marriott International. MORE People Headquartered in Kansas City, MMGY Global employs more than 400 team members in 13 offices worldwide. It is privately owned by Peninsula Capital Partners, members of the management team and individual investors including Reid, Don Montague and Peter Yesawich.“Our investment in MMGY Global was largely driven by our confidence in not only Clayton but also Katie and the broader management team,” said Karl LaPeer, current Chairman of the Board and a partner with Peninsula Capital Partners. “The fact that the company is now setting quarterly financial records and making an even larger impact on travel post-COVID is a testament to its strength.”Clayton ReidAfter 30 years of leading the company, Reid will begin transitioning to his new role as Executive Chairman of the Board, effective in January. His experience as a travel advocate working with companies all over the world — including Amtrak, Bermuda Tourism Authority, Disney, Hertz, Lufthansa, Princess Cruises and Uber — has paid off in the empowerment of travel economies and MMGY Global’s growth across six countries.Reid’s expertise continues to be featured by news organizations such as Bloomberg, CNN, Forbes and NPR, and his community and industry involvement includes work with The Midwest Innocence Project and The New York City Hospitality Council.U.S. Travel Association and Visit KC. He is a strategic council member of Gerson Lehrman Group in its global travel advisory practice and has worked with global consultancies such as Bain Capital and McKinsey on critical travel issues. Earlier this year, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) recognized Reid with a Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding contributions to the field.“People think about legacy in different ways,” said Reid. “In my mind, our company continues to pay tribute to our founders, stakeholders and clients by driving travel forward. Our mission to Inspire People to Go Places will continue under Katie’s leadership as will our passion for all that is good in our industry. That is our legacy.” Chief Executive Officer Clayton Reid will be named Executive Chairman. (photo courtesy of MMGY Global) Katie BriscoeKatie Briscoe is a 14-year veteran of MMGY Global and will serve as the company’s first female Chief Executive Officer in its 40-year history. Briscoe joined the company in 2009 and has ascended the organization through a wide variety of roles, including leadership of interactive marketing, client services and agency management. Briscoe’s experience with the world’s most influential travel companies – including Apple Leisure Group, Hilton Hotels, Pure Michigan, Namibia Tourism, SIXT and Wyndham Hotel Group – has driven client success, financial performance and industry recognition.A sought-after speaker and industry thought leader, Briscoe has been highlighted by The New York Times, AFAR, Shape, Destinations International, the Women in Travel Summit and U.S. Travel Association’s CEO Roundtable, among others. An active member of YPO International, Katie was an inaugural honoree of the Women Transforming Business Award from CBIZ in 2021 and a 2022 inductee of Kansas City Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business. She also serves on the HSMAI Americas Board and was the recipient of its 2017 Chair’s Leadership Award.As CEO, Briscoe will focus on the company’s global expansion and positioning, driving innovation for the travel industry and continuing to cultivate an environment in which team members can thrive professionally and personally.“Stepping into Clayton’s shoes is both a tremendous honor and a humbling responsibility,” said Briscoe. “I look forward to building on MMGY Global’s 40-year foundation, one that has been shaped by the most well-respected minds in travel marketing. Our foundation will serve as a platform for global growth and opportunity for our people, our partners and our shareholders.”Craig CompagnoneAccentuating a 16-year tenure at MMGY Global and growing from Account Executive to Chief Operating Officer, Craig Compagnone will next assume the role of President and COO, helping to lead greater integration across brands, offices and oceans. His guidance on brand strategy and deployment has led to successful and award-winning marketing solutions for clients across multiple travel industry disciplines, including tourism, hospitality cruises, attractions and OTAs, as well as ownership, operations and real estate development. In addition to managing MMGY Global’s expanding geographic footprint, Compagnone has overseen the growth of MMGY Global's research, consulting and European operations. He serves on the Destinations International board of directors, and he is consistently featured as a presenter and speaker on industry topics. His travel insights are highly regarded by The New York Times, Skift, Ad Age, Travel Weekly and other top editorial platforms and publications.As President and COO, Compagnone will oversee the delivery of the company’s full portfolio of services, business strategy and staff support for MMGY Global’s eight operating brands and more than 400 clients across six continents.“The continued growth of our organization is a direct result of the passion and strategic approach delivered by our 400 team members working across the industry. I am honored to serve in a role that continues to connect our MMGY Global experts with industry-leading brands and partners,” said Compagnone.The 2023 Global Leadership Team will also be composed of Chief Financial Officer Hugh McConnell, Executive Vice President of Global HR Mia Wise and a soon-to-be-appointed Chief Marketing Officer. This new position will help manage the global purview of agency promotion and business development.SOURCE: MMGY Global press release. Adblock test (Why?)

American Queen Voyages Names Patrick Hood Director of Health and Safety

WHY IT RATES: Hood brings with him extensive experience in the maritime business and over a decade serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. — Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior EditorAmerican Queen Voyages, part of Hornblower Group, announces Patrick Hood as Director of Health and Safety, Security, Quality and Environment (HSSQE).Reporting directly to Acting President David Giersdorf, Hood is responsible for training as well as compliance of company policies under the Hornblower Group’s RESPECT Management System along with oversight of all federal and maritime safety regulations. MORE People “I am delighted to welcome Patrick Hood to head our HSSQE functions and oversight as our Rivers, Lakes & Oceans and Expedition experiences grow across North America,” said Giersdorf. “His extensive experience in the maritime business and over a decade serving our nation in the U.S. Coast Guard is a welcomed asset to the team.”Patrick Hood joins American Queen Voyages with an accomplished compliance officer and marine safety career over the last two decades. Most recently, he served as HSSQE manager for leading shipping company Seabulk, overseeing all safety, environmental and quality functions and compliance officer for OSG Ship Management. In addition to service with top shipping companies, Hood served in port leadership capacities for the U.S. Coast Guard including Senior Marine Inspector, Port State Control Officer, Marine Casualty Investigator and other positions.For more information on American Queen Voyages, contact your travel professional or call 833-598-0119 or visit AQVoyages.com. SOURCE: American Queen Voyages press release. Adblock test (Why?)

Atlantis Paradise Island Names Joe Brunini Chief Gaming and Customer Development Officer

WHY IT RATES: Brunini takes over his new role with more than three decades of leadership experience in the hotel and casino industry. — Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior EditorAtlantis Paradise Island in The Bahamas appoints Joe Brunini as Chief Gaming & Customer Development Officer. In this role, Brunini will oversee the operations and marketing of the world-class Atlantis Casino.Brunini joins Atlantis with over 30 years of leadership experience in the hotel and casino industry. Most recently, he served as President & Chief Executive Officer of Parq Vancouver, opening the first fully integrated resort casino in Vancouver. He led the resort to a position as the market leader in British Columbia by implementing award-winning customer service and integrated programming to drive resort revenue. The JW Hotel within the resort was named Marriott Hotels of Canada’s Luxury Hotel of the Year in 2019. MORE People Prior to this, Brunini served as President of Global Marketing and Customer Development at Baha Mar in The Bahamas, where he led pre-opening efforts and developed a future growth strategy for international casino marketing and revenue, customer acquisition, mobile gaming and more. His additional experiences include being President of Marketing and Customer Development at MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas, Nevada, and a variety of executive leadership positions at Caesars Hotel & Casino in Atlantis City, New Jersey.“We are thrilled to welcome Joe to Atlantis and eager to see his ideas for new initiatives take shape,” said Audrey Oswell, President and Managing Director of Atlantis Paradise Island. “Through his experience at some of the world’s top casinos and resorts, we are confident that he will lead our exceptional casino team to new heights.”“I have admired Atlantis for years and am delighted to join the team at such an exciting time for the resort,” said Brunini. “With the upgrades coming to the Atlantis Casino this year and beyond, I look forward to developing strategies and furthering Atlantis’ reputation as one of the world’s top gaming destinations.” SOURCE: Atlantis Paradise Island press release. Adblock test (Why?)

Delta Air Lines Names Alex Antilla Vice President for Latin America

Delta Air Lines has appointed Alex Antilla as vice president, Latin America. Based in Santiago, Chile, Antilla will oversee Delta's business and customer experience strategy in Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, as well as the airline's partnerships with the LATAM Group and Aeromexico."As Delta continues to expand its international network and product offering to support the growing travel demand, Alex’s diverse experience will be pivotal in leveraging opportunities, delivering the Delta Difference for our customers, and leading the best employees in the business," said Alain Bellemare, Delta's President, International. "With Alex’s leadership, we will also strengthen our partnerships with LATAM and Aeromexico, providing the best network and customer experience throughout Latin America."ADVERTISINGMORE People Antilla has worked with Delta for 16 years in the trans-Pacific, trans-Atlantic, and Latin American regions, and in this new position will focus exclusively on Latin America. Prior to this new position, he was Managing Director, Latin America Pricing and Revenue Management, leading a team of professionals focused on optimizing and maximizing the revenues and benefits of Delta's Latin America portfolio. He has also worked in Network Planning, Sales, and Alliances, and has worked extensively on several Delta joint ventures.“As Delta continues to invest in delivering a world-class customer experience, I look forward to working with our teams to strengthen our partnerships and to deliver best-in-class solutions, products, and services to our customers and partners in Latin America,” Antilla said. “This outstanding team is poised to build a bright future and capitalize on the great opportunities in this important market.”Antilla graduated from the University of Washington in St. Louis and earned an MBA from Emory’s Goizueta School of Business. During his career at Delta, he has worked in Minneapolis, Tokyo, Atlanta, and Amsterdam. He has also been on the boards of Atlanta nonprofits dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness for families and providing school supplies and sports equipment to needy children in several countries around the world. Antilla hopes to foster meaningful partnerships and continue its charitable efforts with the local community in Chile.The Delta and LATAM Joint Venture is pending approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation.For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter. Adblock test (Why?)

Apple Leisure Group Announces New Vice President of Development

Apple Leisure Group (ALG) announced the appointment of Sergio Rascon as Vice President of Development for the Hyatt-owned brand.Rascon will report to Javier Coll, Group President of Global Business Development and Innovation, as the newest member of the ALG Development team. The team is focused on delivering hospitality expertise to hotel owners looking to invest in new assets or boost existing hotel property performance across Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and Europe.ADVERTISING Trending Now With over 20 years of experience in the real estate financial services and investment management industries, Rascon will also spearhead efforts to establish and bolster relationships within the Institutional investment management firms in Mexico and the Caribbean.“Offering the highest levels of expertise remains our number one priority, especially as the all-inclusive sector continues to grow and become even more competitive,” Coll said.“Adding a financial investment industry veteran like Sergio, who has such strong ties to the Latin American investment community, reinforces our long-term goal of increasing our global footprint,” Coll continued. “We are proud to welcome him into the ALG family.”Before joining ALG Development, Rascon spent 10 years at GE Real Estate, where he helped the team amass the largest real estate portfolio in Latin America, worth over $4.5 billion. He also worked for several other leading real estate financial services and Investment Management companies with portfolios in Mexico and Latin America, including Blackstone, Citi Mexico, Grupo Carso and Nexxus Capital.Rascon has also served real estate committees such as the Urban Land Institute (ULI), Mexican Association of Private Industrial Parks (AMPIP), International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and Mexican Association of Real Estate and Infrastructure Funds (AMFII).For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here. Adblock test (Why?)

Joy Jibrilu Replacing Retiring Fred Lounsberry as Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board CEO

Joy Jibrilu, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s director general, will join the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB) as CEO following the resignation of Fred Lounsberry, the organization’s CEO since 2005. Lounsberry will step down effective August 22.Lounsberry will remain in the position “for a period of time during the transition process,” said Ministry of Tourism officials in a statement.ADVERTISINGBahamas tourism expanded significantly during Lounsberry’s tenure. The Baha Mar and Margaritaville Beach Resort properties opened in downtown Nassau and on Cable Beach under his administration and the Atlantis Paradise Island and Sandals Royal Bahamian resorts completed major renovations. Nassau Paradise Island hosted more than 1.3 million visitors in 2019, the last pre-pandemic year, said officials, and is posting strong visitor arrivals in 2022. Fred Lounsberry, longtime CEO of the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board. (photo courtesy of Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board) Prior to joining the NPIPB, Lounsberry spent 17 years with Universal Studios Parks and Resorts, where he served as executive vice president of marketing and sales.“Fred has been a true, dedicated leader and a great asset to both the promotion board and the destination itself,” said John Conway the NPIPB’s chair. “We are delighted to welcome someone of Joy Jibrilu’s caliber to the CEO role. Joy has long been known as one of the most vocal and effective advocates for The Bahamas tourism industry. The experience she brings to the CEO position will be invaluable.”“I’ve had an incredible experience working closely with our hotel partners, board members, and the government of The Bahamas to help drive unprecedented success for the destination,” Lounsberry said. “The [NPIPB] is in great hands with Joy Jibrilu, who is a fantastic leader.”MORE People “The Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board has been an important partner with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation for more than 50 years,” said Philip “Brave” Davis, The Bahamas’ prime minister.“I am very happy to know that Mrs. Joy Jibrilu will bring her wealth of experience and immense leadership skills to the organization. He added, “Mrs. Jibrilu will be the first woman and Bahamian to head the Promotion Board and she has my full support.”Jibrilu was named the Ministry of Tourism’s director general in May 2014 after serving as Director of Investments in the prime minister’s Bahamas Investment Authority office since July 2008. In this role, she negotiated agreements for major tourism developments including Baha Mar.Jibrilu began working with the Bahamas government in 2005 as the former Ministry of Financial Services and Investments as a consultant. She later joined the Ministry of Finance as a legal advisor with primary responsibility for international agreements pertaining to financial services.Prior to joining the Bahamas public service, Jibrilu worked in West Africa and the United Kingdom. She received her early education in the United Kingdom and continued her studies at tertiary institutions in Canada, France, England, and the United States. An attorney by profession, she is certified by the English and Bahamian bars.“We have an incredible product here in both Nassau and Paradise Island that I know very well,” said Jibrilu. “I look forward to working closely with our hotel and resort partners, as well as the board itself, for its continued success.” Adblock test (Why?)

North Carolina’s Wit Tuttell Named State Tourism Director of the Year

WHY IT RATES: Tuttell has helped engineer creative strategies that have led North Carolina to become one of the top-visited states in the nation. — Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior EditorWit Tuttell, Director of Visit North Carolina, has been named national State Tourism Director of the Year for 2022.Tuttell was announced as the honoree before more than 1,000 destination marketing professionals at the U.S. Travel Association’s annual Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) conference, the premier annual gathering for destination and tourism leaders, held this year in Grand Rapids, MI. U.S. Travel’s National Council of State Tourism Directors—a body representing the official tourism offices of all states and U.S. territories—votes on the award annually ahead of ESTO. MORE People Since taking the helm of North Carolina’s destination marketing organization in November 2013, Tuttell has led the state through a remarkable period of growth, engineering creative strategies that helped North Carolina become one of the top-visited states in the nation.Throughout the pandemic, Tuttell also prioritized effective communication across the state’s 100 counties, hosting a webinar series that equipped partners with crucial information and resources to allow them to facilitate recovery efforts in their own communities. Tuttell further led Count On Me NC, a public health initiative—launched in collaboration with other industry groups and public health officials—that promoted safe travel practices to help businesses reopen in the wake of the pandemic. The program was adopted in all counties across the state, ensuring alignment on public health messaging. “North Carolinians could not have asked for a better leader to guide the state’s tourism industry through the challenges of the pandemic and back to growth,” said outgoing U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “Wit’s dynamic approach to destination marketing was critical to ensuring businesses could reopen their doors and safely welcome back visitors to the Tar Heel State.“Wit’s passion for North Carolina shines through in Visit NC’s creative and compelling marketing campaigns, which highlight the very best of North Carolina’s energy, charm and natural beauty," Dow added.After pivoting to promote more contactless travel experiences at the height of the pandemic, Tuttell shifted the organization back to more active travel promotion in spring 2021 with a new multichannel brand campaign, “Get Back to a Better Place.” Third-party research determined a staggering 32:1 return in state and local taxes generated per dollar of media investment. Visit NC reports the campaign strengthened the state’s market share, helping it remain one of the top 5 most-visited states in 2021.“Wit Tuttell has provided extraordinary leadership for one of our state’s most vital industries,” said North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper. “Wit's efforts have helped North Carolina emerge from the pandemic with record domestic spending in 2021 and his leadership has been instrumental in the creation of Outdoor NC with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. I appreciate Wit's partnership and efforts to make our state an even better place to live, work and visit for generations to come.”Outdoor NC is a sustainability-focused initiative designed to enhance enjoyment of outdoor spaces while minimizing ecological impact.Tuttell and Visit NC have been recognized nationally numerous times, receiving the 2019 Mercury Award from the U.S. Travel Association for outstanding Branding and Integrated Marketing and twice being named State Tourism Office of the Year by the Southeast Tourism Society. In 2021, Visit NC was honored with a Mercury Award for its advocacy and grassroots campaign, a recognition of the exceptional value Tuttell and his team delivered to partners amid unprecedented challenges.Tuttell has 30 years of experience in the tourism industry and has been with North Carolina tourism since 2006. He previously worked for Universal Studios Florida and the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. Tuttell has also lent his expertise to U.S. Travel Association’s board of directors and has served as chair of Travel South USA’s board of directors.Candidates for State Tourism Director of the Year are nominated by state and territory tourism directors. A slate of three finalists is presented annually for selection by ballot. SOURCE: U.S. Travel Association press release. Adblock test (Why?)

Windstar Cruises Promotes Dianna Rom to Senior Director of Sales

WHY IT RATES: The Windstar veteran will take on a new, expanded global role. — Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior EditorU.S.-headquartered Windstar Cruises has promoted Dianna Rom to senior director of sales, leading the domestic and international sales team for the Windstar brand. MORE People Rom has been with Windstar for seven years, first as a Midwest regional sales manager and most recently as director of field sales where she was responsible for managing all Windstar regional sales managers and business development managers.Prior to joining Windstar, Rom was the regional director of sales and marketing for Ohio State Park Lodges, formerly part of the Xanterra Travel Collection (Windstar’s parent company), where she led the sales and marketing team for eight hotels. "Dianna has always been a superstar performer," said Windstar Chief Commercial Officer Betsy O’Rourke. "We are excited to leverage her talent, expertise, and leadership for the benefit of the sales team and the overall Windstar brand in her new, expanded global role." SOURCE: Windstar Cruises press release. Adblock test (Why?)

Roger Dow Will Be Inducted in US Travel Hall of Leaders

Outgoing president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association Roger Dow will be the 2022 inductee into U.S. Travel’s Hall of Leaders.He will be the 104th travel luminary inducted into the Hall of Leaders, which was established in 1969 with the goal of recognizing “sustained, noteworthy contributions that have positively impacted the travel industry.”ADVERTISINGRELATED_NEWS] “It’s difficult to imagine a more effective advocate for travel today than Roger Dow. His selection to our most distinguished body reflects his countless contributions and our industry’s deep respect and gratitude,” said Carnival Cruise Line President and U.S. Travel National Chair Christine Duffy. “As he concludes a celebrated career as head of U.S. Travel and, previously, as a leader of Marriott, his induction honors all that Roger has achieved to advance and guide this industry and its workers.”Dow has led the organization for 17 years. Prior to his tenure at U.S. Travel, he worked for 34 years at Marriott International, where he led the company’s global sales and marketing functions. He notably developed the first hotel loyalty program, which would become Marriott Bonvoy and the related Marriott credit card.When asked, however, Dow lists his greatest accomplishment at Marriott as his decades-long commitment to the development and mentorship of tens of thousands of salespeople.While at U.S. Travel, Dow had many successful legislative victories, including the creation, enactment and renewal of Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization. This effort and the expansion of U.S. Travel’s IPW trade show as well as the addition of more than a dozen nations to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program were highlights of his time with U.S. Travel. During his tenure, inbound travel to the U.S. has increased 61 percent.Dow also established many lasting relationships in Washington and established the Meetings Mean Business Coalition, which positions the value and benefits of business meetings, trade shows, conferences and conventions.During the pandemic, Dow was able to secure federal aid relief and funding for the beleaguered travel industry, including for travel-related businesses and destination marketing organizations. He also successfully fought for the reopening of international air travel and the repeal of inbound pre-departure Covid testing.Dow has received many honors and accolades during his career and served on many boards, including ASAE, GWSAE, MPI Foundation, PCMA, Tourism Diversity Matters, RE/MAX International, the Travel Institute, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, among others.Before beginning a career in travel, Dow served in the United States Army with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam, where he received the Bronze Star and other citations. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Seton Hall University and was honored as a Most Distinguished Alumnus in 2012.Dow will be honored by the U.S. Travel board of directors at a dinner on November 14, 2022. Adblock test (Why?)