Today we are getting to know someone who is high on many lists of "favorite people in our industry." Elaine is our Destinations International historian - naturally since she has worked here the longest out of all of our staff! She works with our team, members and partners with a natural ability for customer service. Elaine has been a huge asset to our organization and industry. She recently even helped us excel during the Destination DC Volleyball tournament earlier this year when her sons joined our team to help us score some points on the Washington, D.C. hospitality industry! We are lucky to have her as a member of the Destinations International team and we hope you enjoy getting to know her a little more. 

• Favorite Destination and why?
  • Vancouver, BC. The combination of natural beauty and cosmopolitan offerings.

• In one sentence, what is your job at Destinations International?
  • Supporting all aspects of the Event Impact Calculator for our subscribers and industry partners all in conjunction with Tourism Economics and Alyssa!

• How long have you been with Destinations International?
  • 25 years in many different capacities

• What was your first job in the tourism industry?
  • Greater Washington Society of Association Executives (GWSAE) as their Special Events Coordinator working on tradeshows, golf tournaments and fundraiser dinners.

• What inspires you to keep doing the work you do for Destinations International on a daily basis?
  • Hands down the members, best group of individuals to work for and with of any industry!

• When you were growing up, what was your dream job?
  • Actress

• What is your favorite thing about this industry?
  • The love of travel and destination pride

• What is your bucket list vacation?
  • Alaska, Australia or Iceland.

• What is one fact about you that surprises people?
  • I am a vegetarian (is that really that surprising these days?!?!)

• What is your favorite restaurant/meal in the world that you have tried when traveling?
  • During the DI (then IACVB) 2002 Annual Convention (now I am really dating myself) we took seaplanes to a nearby island for a private dinner with the Former Chairs. IMEX sponsored the evening and it was a magical night, hard to top that one!

• What are two truths and a lie?
  • I was born in Washington, DC
  • I play the trumpet
  • I love treading water for exercise

(I don't play the trumpet!)

• I am overly competitive about ….. anything athletic for me and my boys