The Travel Vertical

Weekly stories curated exclusively for digital tourism marketers

Dozens of Great Jobs

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Executive Director: Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board released an RFQ for contract services. (Applications close at 4 p.m. on Sept. 15, 2021.)

President & CEO — Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, TX

Executive Director — Petosky Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, MI

Executive Director — Belmont County Tourism, OH

Executive Director — Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, NE

Executive Director — Crawford County Convention & Visitors Bureau, KS

Executive Director — Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce & TPA, NY

Executive Director — Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau, NY

Executive Director — Experience Grants Pass, OR

Executive Director — Pella Convention & Visitors Bureau, IA

Executive Director — Top of West Virginia Conventions and Visitors Bureau, WV

Executive Director — Wheeling Heritage, WV

Chief Executive Officer — Skagit Tourism Bureau, WA

Specialist, Partnership Project (through 6/30/2023) — Wisconsin Department of Tourism

Senior Vice President & COO — Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock, AR

Director of Marketing & External Relations — Miami Beach Convention Center

Vice President / General Manager — Buffalo Niagara Convention Center Management Corp., NY

President & CEO — Oklahoma State Fair, Inc.

Executive Vice President & General Manager —The Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, IN

Senior Vice President Convention Sales — Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

Senior Vice President of Operations / Chief Operating Officer AND Social Media Specialist — Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, AR

Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer AND Regional Director of Sales (West)— Visit Dallas

Vice President Marketing & Communications — Visit Milwaukee, WI

Chief Marketing Officer AND Chief Sales Officer — Visit Pittsburgh

Director of Marketing & Communications — Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade 

Vice President Global Marketing — Destination Vancouver, B.C.

Vice President Business Development — Sonoma County Tourism, CA

Vice President Marketing — Richmond Region Tourism, VA

Vice President Marketing — Visit Wichita, KS

Vice President of Operations — Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau, LA

Vice President of Destination Sales — Washington County Visitors Association, OR

Vice President of Finance — Visit SLOCAL, San Luis Obispo, CA

Associate Vice President of Group Sales AND Director of Events, Tradeshow & Strategic Sales Partnerships AND Account Executive Community Engagement — Discover The Palm Beaches, FL

Director of IT AND Director of Research AND Director of Digital Marketing AND Membership Manager AND National Sales Director Citywide AND National Sales Director DC Area — San Diego Tourism Authority

Director of Marketing AND Destination & Convention Services — Visit Seattle, WA

Senior Director Sales & Marketing — Destination Irvine, CA

Senior Director Brand & Content Studio — Experience Kissimmee, FL

Director of Communications — Visit Napa Valley, CA

Director of Strategic Communications — Galveston Park Board and Convention & Visitors Bureau, TX

Marketing Manager — Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau

Marketing Manager — Trumbull County Tourism Bureau, OH

Director of Information Technology — Visit San Antonio

Director of Public and Community Relations — Travel Costa Mesa, CA

Director of Human Resources AND Senior Event Services Manager — Team San Jose, CA

Manager Destination Services AND Coordinator Global Communications AND Manager Member & Partner Services — Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board

Senior Director of Marketing Analytics AND Director of Public Relations AND Public Relations Manager AND Sr. Graphic & Motion Designer AND National Sales Manager — Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority

Director Integrated Marketing & Communications AND Director of Sports Marketing AND Events Manager Sports Marketing Director, Meetings & Conventions AND Manager, Partnerships AND Customer Engagement Manager AND Partnership Coordinator AND Sales Assistant — Experience Columbus, OH

Director of Insights & Analytics — Destination Cleveland

Marketing & Communications Director — Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands, Sandusky, OH

Regional Partnership Managers (Northwest Florida Region) AND (Central East Florida Region) AND (Central West Florida Region)— Visit Florida

Economic Development & Innovation Manager — Augusta Economic Development Authority, Downtown Development Authority, Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau, GA 

Sustainability & Policy Manager — Visit Estes Park, CO

Sustainability & Policy Manager — Visit Durango, CO

Marketing Business Intelligence Manager — Newport Beach & Company, CA

Business Analyst — Visit Grand Junction, CO

Community Engagement Manager AND Public Relations Manager — Explore Asheville, NC

Content Marketing Specialist — Destination Greater Victoria, B.C. (closing Sept. 19, 2021)

Email Marketing & Personalization Specialist AND Analyst, Digital Analytics AND Marketing Coordinator AND Coordinator Global Communications AND Coordinator-Tourism Development — NYC & Company

Social Media Manager AND Destination Services Coordinator — Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau

Director of Sales — Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau, KS

Finance & Admin Associate AND Travel Counselor — Visit Spokane, WA

Global Content & Tour Specialist — Utah Office of Tourism

Business Development Manager — Visit Indy

Community Engagement Manager AND Public Relations Manager AND Administrative Assistant — Explore Asheville, NC

Tourism Marketing Coordinator — Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, NC

Communications Director — Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, KY

Destination Sales Manager — Visit Rogers, AR

Convention Sales Manager — Silicon Valley / Santa Clara DMO, CA

National Sales Manager — Visit Norfolk, VA

National Account Manager — Visit KC, MO

Sales Account Executive — Meet Minneapolis

Director of Conventions & Tourism — City of Waco, TX

SMERF Sales Manager — Allen Convention & Visitors Bureau, TX

Convention Sales Marketing Manager AND Sports Sales Manager — Visit El Paso, TX

Convention Marketing Representative — Visit Orlando

Sales Manager — Visit Greater St. Cloud, MN

Conference Sales Director — Valdosta-Lowndes Co. Conference Center & Tourism Authority, GA

CVB Director of Sales — Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, KS

Digital & Social Media Manager — Destination Madison, WI

Manager Earned Media — Tourism Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Marketing Coordinator-Global Marketing Programs — Destination BC, Canada

Social Media Specialist AND Global Tourism Sales Manager AND Communications Manager AND Content Coordinator AND Convention Sales Coordinator — Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau

Social Media Coordinator — Visit Spokane, WA

Marketing Specialist — Choose Chicago

Marketing Communications Manager AND Sports Market Sales Manager — Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau

Human Resources Manager — Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Bureau, NV

Creative Manager — Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, PA

Creative & Digital Services Administrator — Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau, IA

Travel Trade Media Relations Manager AND Convention Sales Assistant — Destination DC

Media Relations Specialist AND Tourism Development Coordinator — Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, CA

Media Relations and MarComm Manager — Boulder Convention & Visitors Bureau, CO

Marketing & Event Manager — Explore Elk Grove, CA

Director of Tourism Services — La Crosse County Convention & Visitors Bureau, WI

Partner Engagement Coordinator — Visit Kalamazoo, WI

Community Partnership Coordinator — Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau, WI

Digital / Social Content Creator AND Sales & Marketing Coordinator — Wisconsin Dells Convention & Visitors Bureau, WI

Social Media & Content Manager AND Marketing Coordinator AND Partner Development Manager— Park City Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau, UT

Marketing Coordinator & Film Liaison — Visit Oxnard, CA

Sales & Marketing Assistant — Visit Santa Cruz County, CA

Social Media Manager AND Destination Services Manager AND Destination Services Coordinator — Visit Denver

Digital Marketing Specialist — Belmont County Tourism, OH

Tourism Partner Liaison & Promotions Coordinator — Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism Specialist — Franklin County, NY

Visitor Center Manager — Discover Denton, TX

Retail & Visitor Experience Manager — Visit Franklin, TN

Communications Specialist — Visit Salem, MA

Sales Coordinator — Mt. Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, MI

Administrative Assistant CVB — City of Garden City, GA

Administrative Secretary CVB — City of Grapevine, TX

Main Street Coordinator — City of Longview, TX

Industry Marketing Coordinator — Montana Department of Commerce – Office of Tourism Business Development Division

Director of Marketing & Business Development — Israel Ministry of Tourism, LA

Marketing Coordinator AND Advocacy & Data Coordinator AND Education Coordinator AND Meetings & Events Coordinator — Destinations International, Wash DC

Vice President of Marketing AND Product Marketing Manager — Sojern, San Francisco

Vice President of Marketing AND Content Marketing Manager AND Content Marketing Manager AND Demand Generation Lead AND Office Manager AND Senior Employer Brand Specialist (6 mos.) — CrowdRiff, Toronto

Client Success Manager — Bandwango, Salt Lake, UT

Vice President Destination Strategy AND Senior Graphic Designer — Madden Media, Tucson

Copywriter AND eMail Marketing Coordinator AND Account Supervisor — MMGY Global, various

Content Manager AND Project Manager AND Analytics Coordinator AND Account Director AND Communications Specialist AND Interactive Producer AND Performance Coordinator (x2) — Miles Partnership, remote

Account Manager — Arrivalist, NYC (SF, Miami)

Senior Data Advisor — Zartico, remote in Western U.S.

Social Media Strategist AND Paid Social Strategist (x2), Sparkloft Media, Portland / Atlanta

Account Manager — Epsilon, Atlanta or other location

Content Editor-Internal Marketing — Streetsense, Wash DC

Marketing & Content Creation Coordinator AND Project Coordinator — Civitas Advisors, Sacramento, CA

Sales Planner Americas — Tripadvisor, NYC

Research Analyst — Longwoods International, Columbus, OH

Vice President of Product AND Product Manager AND Associate Product Manager AND Customer Success Representative AND SEO Analyst — Simpleview, Tucson

Podcast and Content Coordinator — Relic Agency, Provo, UT

Director of Tourism Data Sales, Europe — Near, London

Content Marketing Manager AND Tourism Media Relations Specialist AND Tourism PR Media Senior Account Executive AND Manager Digital Paid Media AND Freelance Digital Ad Copywriter AND Independent Contractor Research & Insights — Destination Counselors International, various locations

Public Relations Director — Aqua Marketing & Communications, St. Petersburg, FL

Vice President Marketing — SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Orlando

Director of Marketing — Frontier Airlines Inc., Denver

Manager-External Communications — Spirit Airlines, Miramar, FL

Senior Manager Communications — Expedia Group, Chicago

Director-Club Marketing — Major League Baseball, NYC

Global Digital Strategist — Washington Wizards

Senior/Executive Director, Brand & Digital Marketing — The New York Mets

Community Events & Public Affairs Coordinator — Indianapolis International Airport

Director of Business Development — New World Symphony, Miami

Senior Manager Business Partnerships — California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco

Director of Marketing & Communication — Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Hagerstown, MD

Search Engine Marketing Manager — Omni Hotels & Resorts Corporate Office, Dallas

Marketing Manager — Space Needle, Seattle

Analyst-Content Strategy & Planning — Hilton, McLean, VA

Chief Beer Baron Gig — Move.org, one of these 20 cities

  • $1,000 for travel accommodations to celebrate Oktoberfest in one of the nation’s beer capitals. Your choice.
  • $2,000 for your hard work—your tab’s on us, keep the rest!
  • Up to $500 to help cover moving costs to your beloved beer capital, if desired.
  • Applications are open now until 5:59 pm MST on Sep 10, 2021.

Meet Maria Skrzynski: An Emerging Tourism Star of 2021

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Congrats to Maria Skrzynski, Marketing Coordinator / Office Manager at Destination Ann Arbor. She’s one of seven winners in the inaugural Emerging Tourism Star class, a program in partnership with MMGY Global.

Readers can meet the winners in past and upcoming issues of The Travel Vertical and they’ll all be recognized in person during the 22nd Annual eTourism Summit on Sept. 20–22, 2021 in Las Vegas.

What’s an Emerging Tourism Star? Savvy individuals (of any age!) in destination marketing and attractions that are new to the eTourism Community of digital travel and tourism professionals or have risen to the challenges of a role.  

  • Winners will be directly connected with a travel and tourism leader as a mentor
  • Winners receive a scholarship to attend eTourism Summit
  • Winners will participate in a panel conversation at eTourism Summit moderated by MMGY
  • One winner will fill the eTS Emerging Tourism Star Advisory Board Seat (an annual appointment)

Q: How did you arrive in your role at Destination Ann Arbor?

A: I’ve always had a passion for travel. Growing up, my mother was a successful travel agent, and we’d accompany her on fam trips. Because of this, I was able to experience new places and adventures often! Fast forward: I attended Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and found myself regularly using Ypsireal.com, the local Ypsilanti CVB website, for activity ideas. The brand stood out to me and later, after working several years in customer service leadership, I applied to an open position with Destination Ann Arbor as the Office Manager in Ypsilanti!

Kayaking on the Huron

Q: How has your role grown over the past 2-3 years?

A: I started working more closely with the marketing team because of my interest in destination marketing. I began attending weekly marketing meetings and assisting with special projects. Once we began working from home because of the devastating impact of Covid, I began wearing a few ‘new hats’ which included writing blogs for Destination Ann Arbor, managing the Ypsi Real social media pages, assisting with website management, and building community engagement. Now I’m working alongside the marketing team, and attending webinars to continue to learn more.

Q: Sounds like an ideal fit for someone who grew up knowing about fam trips. Can you see yourself involved in destination marketing for the long term?

A: Absolutely! It’s funny to think that I’ve been attending fam trips for my whole life! I am genuinely interested in destination marketing and sharing great experiences with others. I feel grateful knowing that I can combine my passion for community and travel and bring that into the work that I do every day. I’ve always had interests in writing and have had fun reflecting and growing as a social media coordinator. Because of this, destination marketing is a great fit for me!

“Challenge Everything, Create Anything,” Downtown Ann Arbor

Q: Speaking of social media, in your experience can you tell us about one of the most impactful messages you’ve shared?

A: One of the most impactful messages in my experience was amplifying the message that Black Lives Matter through our social channels. Because of the importance and meaningful message behind the murals that came together because of local leaders, artists, and residents around Ypsilanti, the post took off and quickly became the top performing post in the page’s social media history. The photo was captured by a local photographer from a bird’s eye view. What makes this so impactful is that we could help share this statement to reach tens of thousands of people.

Q: What are you hoping to get out of your first eTourism Summit?

A: I’m so excited and really looking forward to meeting the other winners! I can’t wait to learn more from them as my peers and share our experiences. I’d love to make new connections with other DMOs and vendors for future partnerships and opportunities. There is a lot to learn from others with years of experience and from rising stars, so I’m looking forward to beginning and building those relationships at eTourism Summit!

Visiting Park City, Utah

189 Jobs (including one dream gig)

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Chief Beer Baron Gig — Move.org, one of these 20 cities

  • $1,000 for travel accommodations to celebrate Oktoberfest in one of the nation’s beer capitals. Your choice.
  • $2,000 for your hard work—your tab’s on us, keep the rest!
  • Up to $500 to help cover moving costs to your beloved beer capital, if desired.
  • Applications are open now until 5:59 pm MST on Sep 10, 2021.

President & CEO — Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, TX

Executive Director — Petosky Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, MI

Executive Director — Belmont County Tourism, OH

Executive Director — Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, NE

Executive Director — Crawford County Convention & Visitors Bureau, KS

Executive Director — Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce & TPA, NY

Executive Director — Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau, NY

Executive Director — Experience Grants Pass, OR

Executive Director — Pella Convention & Visitors Bureau, IA

Executive Director — Top of West Virginia Conventions and Visitors Bureau, WV

Executive Director — Wheeling Heritage, WV

Chief Executive Officer — Skagit Tourism Bureau, WA

Vice President / General Manager — Buffalo Niagara Convention Center Management Corp., NY

President & CEO — Oklahoma State Fair, Inc.

Senior Vice President Convention Sales — Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer — Visit Dallas

Senior Vice President of Operations / Chief Operating Officer AND Social Media Specialist — Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, AR

Director of Marketing & Communications — Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade 

Vice President Global Marketing — Destination Vancouver, B.C.

Vice President Business Development — Sonoma County Tourism, CA

Vice President Marketing — Richmond Region Tourism, VA

Vice President Marketing — Visit Wichita, KS

Vice President of Operations — Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau, LA

Vice President of Destination Sales — Washington County Visitors Association, OR

Vice President of Finance — Visit SLOCAL, San Luis Obispo, CA

Associate Vice President of Group Sales AND Director of Events, Tradeshow & Strategic Sales Partnerships AND Account Executive Community Engagement — Discover The Palm Beaches, FL

Chief Sales Officer AND Director of IT AND Director of Research AND Director of Digital Marketing AND Membership Manager AND National Sales Director, Citywide DC Area — San Diego Tourism Authority

Chief Sales Officer AND Chief Marketing Officer — Visit Pittsburgh

Director of Marketing AND Destination & Convention Services — Visit Seattle, WA

Email Marketing & Personalization Specialist AND Analyst, Digital Analytics AND Marketing Coordinator AND Coordinator Global Communications — NYC & Company

Senior Director Sales & Marketing — Destination Irvine, CA

Director of Information Technology — Visit San Antonio

Director of Business Development — Visit Napa Valley, CA

Director of Public and Community Relations — Travel Costa Mesa, CA

Director of Marketing and External Relations — Miami Beach Convention Center

Director of Human Resources AND Senior Event Services Manager — Team San Jose, CA

Manager Destination Services AND Coordinator Global Communications AND Manager Member & Partner Services — Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board

Senior Director of Marketing Analytics AND Director of Public Relations AND Public Relations Manager AND Sr. Graphic & Motion Designer AND National Sales Manager — Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority

Director Integrated Marketing & Communications AND Director of Sports Marketing AND Events Manager Sports Marketing Director, Meetings & Conventions AND Manager, Partnerships AND Customer Engagement Manager AND Partnership Coordinator AND Sales Assistant — Experience Columbus, OH

Director of Insights & Analytics — Destination Cleveland

Marketing & Communications Director — Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands, Sandusky, OH

Regional Partnership Managers (Northwest Florida Region) AND (Central East Florida Region) AND (Central West Florida Region)— Visit Florida

Economic Development & Innovation Manager — Augusta Economic Development Authority, Downtown Development Authority, Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau, GA 

Sustainability & Policy Manager — Visit Estes Park, CO

Sustainability & Policy Manager — Visit Durango, CO

Marketing Manager AND Manager Destination Services AND Manager Hotel Relations & Services — Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau

Global Content & Tour Specialist — Utah Office of Tourism

Business Development Manager — Visit Indy

Community Engagement Manager AND Public Relations Manager AND Administrative Assistant — Explore Asheville, NC

Tourism Marketing Coordinator — Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, NC

Communications Director — Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, KY

Destination Sales Manager — Visit Rogers, AR

Convention Sales Manager — Silicon Valley / Santa Clara DMO, CA

National Sales Manager — Visit Norfolk, VA

National Account Manager — Visit KC, MO

Sales Account Executive — Meet Minneapolis

Director of Conventions & Tourism — City of Waco, TX

SMERF Sales Manager — Allen Convention & Visitors Bureau, TX

Convention Sales Marketing Manager AND Sports Sales Manager — Visit El Paso, TX

Convention Marketing Representative — Visit Orlando

Sales Manager — Visit Greater St. Cloud, MN

Conference Sales Director — Valdosta-Lowndes Co. Conference Center & Tourism Authority, GA

CVB Director of Sales — Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, KS

Digital & Social Media Manager — Destination Madison, WI

Manager Earned Media — Tourism Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Marketing Coordinator-Global Marketing Programs — Destination BC, Canada

Social Media Specialist AND Global Tourism Sales Manager AND Communications Manager AND Content Coordinator AND Convention Sales Coordinator — Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau

Social Media Coordinator — Visit Spokane, WA

Marketing Specialist — Choose Chicago

Marketing Communications Manager AND Sports Market Sales Manager — Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau

Human Resources Manager — Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Bureau, NV

Creative Manager — Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, PA

Creative & Digital Services Administrator — Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau, IA

Travel Trade Media Relations Manager AND Convention Sales Assistant — Destination DC

Media Relations Specialist AND Tourism Development Coordinator — Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, CA

Media Relations and MarComm Manager — Boulder Convention & Visitors Bureau, CO

Marketing & Event Manager — Explore Elk Grove, CA

Director of Tourism Services — La Crosse County Convention & Visitors Bureau, WI

Partner Engagement Coordinator — Visit Kalamazoo, WI

Community Partnership Coordinator — Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau, WI

Digital / Social Content Creator AND Sales & Marketing Coordinator — Wisconsin Dells Convention & Visitors Bureau, WI

Social Media & Content Manager AND Marketing Coordinator AND Partner Development Manager— Park City Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau, UT

Marketing Coordinator & Film Liaison — Visit Oxnard, CA

Sales & Marketing Assistant — Visit Santa Cruz County, CA

Social Media Manager AND Destination Services Manager AND Destination Services Coordinator — Visit Denver

Digital Marketing Specialist — Belmont County Tourism, OH

Tourism Partner Liaison & Promotions Coordinator — Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism Specialist — Franklin County, NY

Visitor Center Manager — Discover Denton, TX

Retail & Visitor Experience Manager — Visit Franklin, TN

Communications Specialist — Visit Salem, MA

Sales Coordinator — Mt. Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, MI

Administrative Assistant CVB — City of Garden City, GA

Administrative Secretary CVB — City of Grapevine, TX

Main Street Coordinator — City of Longview, TX

Industry Marketing Coordinator — Montana Department of Commerce – Office of Tourism Business Development Division

Communications Director for Millennium Park — City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events (deadline 9/3/2021)

Marketing Coordinator AND Advocacy & Data Coordinator AND Education Coordinator AND Meetings & Events Coordinator — Destinations International, Wash., DC

Marketing & Content Creation Coordinator AND Project Coordinator — Civitas Advisors, Sacramento, CA

Content Manager AND Project Manager AND Analytics Coordinator AND Account Director AND Communications Specialist AND Interactive Producer AND Performance Coordinator (x2) — Miles Partnership, remote

Client Services Representative — Bandwango, remote

Copywriter AND eMail Marketing Coordinator — MMGY Global, Overland Park, KS

Account Manager — Epsilon, Atlanta or other location

Senior Data Advisor — Zartico, remote in Western U.S.

Sales Planner Americas — Tripadvisor, NYC

Research Analyst — Longwoods International, Columbus, OH

Content Marketing Manager AND Demand Generation Lead AND Office Manager— CrowdRiff, Toronto

Content Marketing Manager AND Tourism Media Relations Specialist AND Tourism PR Media Senior Account Executive AND Manager Digital Paid Media AND Freelance Digital Ad Copywriter AND Independent Contrator Research & Insights — Destination Counselors International, various locations

Vice President, Destination Strategy — Madden Media, Tucson

Vice President of Product AND Product Manager AND Associate Product Manager AND Customer Success Representative AND SEO Analyst — Simpleview, Tucson

Podcast and Content Coordinator — Relic Agency, Provo, UT

Product Marketing Manager — Sojern, San Francisco

Director of Tourism Data Sales, Europe — Near, London

Strategic Partnership Manager — Peek, remote

Sr. Business Technology Strategist — Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, Burbank, FL

Director of Media Relations — The Walt Disney Company, Los Angeles

Brand Marketing Manager-Campaigns — Google, in SF, LA, NYC, or Portland, OR

Global Product Marketing Manager for Landing Page Solutions AND Global Product Marketing Manager for Audience & Targeting Solutions — TikTok in SF, LA, NYC, or Mountain View, CA

Senior Manager Communications — Expedia Group, Chicago

Senior/Executive Director, Brand & Digital Marketing — The New York Mets

Community Events & Public Affairs Coordinator — Indianapolis International Airport

Director of Business Development — New World Symphony, Miami

Senior Manager Business Partnerships — California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco

Director of Marketing & Communication — Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Hagerstown, MD

Search Engine Marketing Manager — Omni Hotels & Resorts Corporate Office, Dallas

Meet Katie Utken: An Emerging Tourism Star of 2021

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Congrats to Katie Utken, Marketing and Communications Manager at Visit Hamilton County, Indiana. She’s one of seven winners in the inaugural Emerging Tourism Star class, a program in partnership with MMGY Global.

Readers are meeting each of the winners in a profile in recent past and upcoming issues of The Travel Vertical and they’ll all be recognized during the 22nd Annual eTourism Summit on Sept. 20–22, 2021 in Las Vegas.

What’s an Emerging Tourism Star? Savvy individuals (of any age!) in destination marketing and attractions that are new to the eTourism Community of digital travel and tourism professionals or have risen to the challenges of a role.

  • Winners will be directly connected with a travel and tourism leader as a mentor
  • Winners receive a scholarship to attend eTourism Summit
  • Winners will be on a panel conversation moderated by MMGY
  • One winner will fill the eTS Emerging Tourism Star Advisory Board Seat (an annual appointment)

Q: How did you arrive in your role at Hamilton County Tourism? 

A: I studied at Butler University in Indianapolis as a Strategic Communications major. The beauty of a communications degree is you can explore so many career paths post-grad; but the endless choices make it difficult to choose! My senior year, I interned with our local Yelp community manager, and that experience taught me more about social media management and promoting the local business community. I also enrolled in a hospitality and tourism promotions elective course where I got my first taste of the industry.

We met with local tourism officials, including the communications coordinator at Hamilton County Tourism, my home county. She and I connected for coffee after class. During my spring semester, a marketing role opened at the DMO and I jumped at the chance to apply. I started as Digital Marketing Coordinator one month after graduation, and the rest is history!

Katie at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Q: How has your role changed over the past five years?

A: My role initially focused on our digital marketing, including organic and paid social media as well as e-newsletter and blog content. I still remember tentatively launching my first paid Facebook ad — our DMO was still new to the paid social space. Now, I live in Facebooks Ads Manager and Google Analytics daily.

Our marketing team has changed significantly in the wake of the pandemic, and I’m now the Marketing and Communications Manager with PR and media relations added to my plate. I’ve experienced tremendous personal and career growth as we’ve all had to take on tasks that were not necessarily in our wheelhouse before COVID-19.

at the 17th Annual eTourism Summit, San Francisco

Q: When did you attend your first eTourism Summit and what did you think about the experience?

A: I attended eTourism Summit in 2016 just a few months into my role. My boss told me the first day on the job that they were sending me to this conference in San Francisco, and my 22-year-old self couldn’t believe it! And what a great first business trip it was. I was completely new to the industry but quickly learned that an amazing community of professionals work in tourism. I was in awe of the cool marketing projects destinations were implementing in their communities.

It was also the first time I heard Brian Matson of TwoSix Digital speak, and if you’ve attended his presentations, you know they’re packed with information (and GIFs) to keep you engaged the entire time. He’s been a great contact for me as I’ve learned the ropes over the years.

Q: Speaking of networking, can you tell us about the informal monthly Zoom meetings you’ve been holding with Indiana DMO peers?

A: When it became clear that COVID-19 was a big deal, a few social media managers at DMOs across Indiana connected via email. There was an article that said restaurants would be closing to dine-in customers that week. What was our response? We organized an informal Zoom meeting to come together virtually and share ideas. It became a weekly meeting that we’ve shifted to monthly now that things have (hopefully) settled down.

It’s been fantastic to regularly connect with colleagues statewide — that’s actually how I know my fellow Emerging Tourism Stars Jake Brown and Kyle Johnson so well. We’re all facing the same issues and willing to ask questions and share ideas. Yes, we’re “competitors” but it doesn’t feel that way. We genuinely want to help each other succeed, and that’s what makes the tourism industry so unique.

Q: Something extraordinary has happened in your recent inactions with Google Maps. Do tell us more.  

A: A few years ago, we made it a priority to show our tourism partners how to enhance their online presence through the free Google My Business tools. Since I frequently take photos in Hamilton County while out and about, I started uploading them to Google Maps to help elevate our partners. The result? Google Maps just emailed me to say I’ve received 17.5 million total views of my photos! Actually, I just checked and I’m at 18.5 million views now. My most-viewed photo is not high-quality at all; the lighting is dark but it shows the interior of a restaurant, so it’s useful to customers.

Uploading photos to Google is a simple way to help partners and make an impact. One of our marketing goals for 2022 is to re-establish a Google education program for our local business community, since it’s an easy and free way to elevate their digital footprint.

Mackinac Island, Mich.


100 Job Listings

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President & CEO — Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, TX

Executive Director — Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, NE

Executive Director — Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce & TPA, NY

Executive Director — Experience Grants Pass, OR

Chief Executive Officer — Skagit Tourism Bureau, WA

Vice President / General Manager — Buffalo Niagara Convention Center Management Corp., NY

President & CEO — Oklahoma State Fair, Inc.

Senior Vice President Convention Sales — Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer — Visit Dallas

Director of Marketing & Communications — Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade 

Vice President Global Marketing — Destination Vancouver, B.C.

Vice President Business Development — Sonoma County Tourism, CA

Vice President Marketing — Richmond Region Tourism, VA

Vice President Marketing — Visit Wichita, KS

Vice President of Operations — Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau, LA

Senior Director Sales & Marketing — Destination Irvine, CA

Chief Sales Officer AND Director of Research AND National Sales Director, Citywide DC Area — San Diego Tourism Authority

Chief Sales Officer — Visit Pittsburgh

Director Destination & Convention Services — Visit Seattle, WA

Email Marketing & Personalization Specialist AND Analyst, Digital Analytics AND Marketing Coordinator AND Coordinator Global Communications — NYC & Company

Director of Information Technology — Visit San Antonio

Director of Business Development — Visit Napa Valley, CA

Director of Public and Community Relations — Travel Costa Mesa, CA

Manager Destination Services AND Coordinator Global Communications AND Manager Member & Partner Services — Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board

Senior Director of Marketing Analytics AND Director of Public Relations AND Public Relations Manager AND Sr. Graphic & Motion Designer AND National Sales Manager — Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority

Director Integrated Marketing & Communications AND Director of Sports Marketing AND Events Manager Sports Marketing Director, Meetings & Conventions AND Manager, Partnerships AND Customer Engagement Manager AND Partnership Coordinator AND Sales Assistant — Experience Columbus, OH

Regional Partnership Managers (Northwest Florida Region) AND (Central East Florida Region) AND (Central West Florida Region)— Visit Florida

Director of Finance & Admin — Visit Estes Park, CO

Marketing Manager — Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau

Global Content & Tour Specialist — Utah Office of Tourism

Business Development Manager — Visit Indy

Destination Sales Manager — Visit Rogers, AR

Convention Sales Manager — Silicon Valley / Santa Clara DMO, CA

National Sales Manager — Visit Norfolk, VA

National Account Manager — Visit KC, MO

Director of Conventions & Tourism — City of Waco, TX

Convention Sales Marketing Manager AND Sports Sales Manager — Visit El Paso, TX

Convention Marketing Representative — Visit Orlando

Conference Sales Director — Valdosta-Lowndes Co. Conference Center & Tourism Authority, GA

Digital & Social Media Manager — Destination Madison, WI

Manager Earned Media — Tourism Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Marketing Coordinator-Global Marketing Programs — Destination BC, Canada

Social Media Specialist — Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau

Social Media & Content Specialist — Visit Park City, UT

Social Media Coordinator — Visit Spokane, WA

Marketing Specialist — Choose Chicago

Human Resources Manager — Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Bureau, NV

Creative Manager — Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, PA

Sustainability & Policy Manager — Visit Durango, CO

Travel Trade Media Relations Manager AND Convention Sales Assistant — Destination DC

Media Relations Specialist — Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, CA

Media Relations and MarComm Manager — Boulder Convention & Visitors Bureau, CO

Marketing & Event Manager — Explore Elk Grove, CA

Director of Tourism Services — La Crosse County Convention & Visitors Bureau, WI

Partner Engagement Coordinator — Visit Kalamazoo, WI

Marketing Coordinator & Film Liaison — Visit Oxnard, CA

Sales & Marketing Assistant — Visit Santa Cruz County, CA

Destination Services Coordinator — Visit Denver

Tourism Specialist — Franklin County, NY

Visitor Center Manager — Discover Denton, TX

Project Manager AND Analytics Coordinator AND Account Director AND Communications Specialist AND Interactive Producer AND Performance Coordinator (x2) — Miles Partnership, remote

Client Services Representative — Bandwango, remote

Copywriter AND eMail Marketing Coordinator — MMGY Global, Overland Park, KS

Account Manager — Epsilon, Atlanta or other location

Sales Planner Americas — Tripadvisor, NYC

Research Analyst — Longwoods International, Columbus, OH

Content Marketing Manager — Destination Counselors International, remote

Vice President of Product AND Product Manager AND Customer Success Representative — Simpleview, Tucson

Director of Tourism Data Sales, Europe — Near, London

Sr. Business Technology Strategist — Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, Burbank, FL

Staff

Laurie Jo Miller Farr, Editor
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