Destinations International Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees and Destination Organization Leadership Award Recipients
Annual awards program recognizes outstanding leadership in the travel and tourism industry
Washington, D.C. (June 13, 2025) – Destinations International (DI), the world’s largest membership association for destination organizations and convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), today announced recipients of its annual awards program, including the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees, Spirit of Hospitality Award, Destination Organization Leadership Awards and Destination Organization Leadership Award for Global Impact. Recipients will be honored during the Recognition Celebration session at the 2025 Destinations International Annual Convention in Chicago, IL, USA, July 9-11.
"It is a true privilege to honor these extraordinary leaders whose dedication and achievements have shaped not only their individual destinations but the travel and tourism industry as a whole," said Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. "In a time of rapid change and evolving global dynamics, leadership rooted in vision, resilience and commitment is more vital than ever. Each of this year’s honorees embodies these qualities, leaving a profound impact on our industry’s growth and innovation. I extend my sincere appreciation to the Destinations International Awards Committee for their thoughtful and diligent work in selecting this year’s remarkable recipients."
"On behalf of the Destinations International Awards Committee, we are delighted to extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s award recipients for their exceptional accomplishments and this well-earned recognition," said committee co-chairs Tammy Canavan, FCDME, president & CEO of Visit Seattle, and Cleo Battle, CDME, president & CEO of Louisville Tourism. "These distinguished individuals represent some of the most respected, dedicated and visionary leaders in our industry. We also want to recognize the outstanding work of the committee, whose thoughtful and thorough review of an impressive pool of nominations made this celebration of excellence possible."
Destinations International Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame was launched in 2014 during Destinations International’s 100th Anniversary to recognize individuals who have changed the future of destination marketing and management for the better. These individuals have made significant contributions to the advancement of the industry and shaped travel marketing and management. It is the highest honor that Destinations International bestows on industry leaders, pioneers, advocates and champions.
Industry Contributor:
Isabel Hill
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism and Director of the National Travel and Tourism Office
U.S. Department of Commerce
Modern Era:
Paul Arrigo, CDME
Former President & CEO
Visit Baton Rouge
J. Stephen Perry
Former President & CEO
New Orleans & Company
Jack Wert, FCDME
Former Executive Director
Naples/Marco Island/Everglades Convention & Visitor Bureau
DI Foundation Spirit of Hospitality Award
Destinations International Foundation’s highest honor, the Spirit of Hospitality Award, is presented annually to those who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to the foundation, the association and the broader travel and tourism industry.
Destination Organization Leadership Award
The Destination Organization Leadership Award was created in 2017 and is among the association's most prestigious honors, recognizing those outstanding individuals who, through their exceptional work and achievements, have made a significant impact on the destination organization industry as well as a profound difference in the communities they serve.
Organizations with Operating Budgets less than $1M:
Marlyss Auster
President & CEO
Visit Ventura
Organizations with Operating Budgets of $1-3M:
Domenic Bravo, CDME
President & CEO
Visit Cheyenne
Organizations with Operating Budgets of $3-10M:
Al Hutchinson
President & CEO
Visit Baltimore
Organizations with Operating Budgets of $10M and Above:
Vic Isley
President & CEO
Explore Asheville
Destination Organization Award for Global Impact
The Destination Organization Award for Global Impact was created in 2023 to recognize specifically those outstanding destination organizations that have made a significant impact on the global destination industry through exceptional service and innovation in their location or national communities.
Tim Smith is a strategic communications leader with over 20 years of experience across government, industry, agency, and association sectors. He has held senior roles at Delaware North, APCO Worldwide, and Edelman, and served abroad as a U.S. diplomat promoting trade and investment. As Vice President of Communications, he leads strategy to elevate brand, support the association’s mission, and engage global stakeholders. Tim is active in civic and professional organizations and has served on multiple boards. He lives outside Buffalo, New York, with his wife and has three grown children.