Destinations International Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees and Destination Organization Leadership Award Recipients
Annual awards program recognizes outstanding leadership and global impact in the travel and tourism industry
POTOMAC FALLS, Va., U.S. (June 4, 2026) – 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 2026 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 a recognition ceremony at the Destinations International Annual Convention in Portland, OR, USA, July 21, 2026.
"It is a true privilege to honor these extraordinary leaders and organizations whose dedication and achievements have strengthened their destinations and advanced our industry around the world," said Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. "Their vision, innovation and commitment to service have helped shape the future of destination leadership. We are proud to recognize their lasting contributions and grateful to the Destinations International Awards Committee for its thoughtful work in selecting this year's honorees."
"On behalf of the Destinations International Awards Committee, we are delighted to congratulate this year's recipients on this well-deserved recognition," said committee co-chairs Tammy Canavan, FCDME, president & CEO of Visit Seattle, and Cleo Battle, CDME, president & CEO of Louisville Tourism. "These distinguished leaders and organizations exemplify excellence, innovation and service. Their accomplishments continue to inspire our industry and demonstrate the positive impact destination organizations can have on their communities and visitors alike."
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 leadership for the better. These individuals have made significant contributions to the advancement of the industry and helped shape travel marketing and destination stewardship. It is the highest honor Destinations International bestows on industry leaders, pioneers, advocates and champions.
2026 Hall of Fame Inductees
Jack Berry
Former President & CEO
Visit Richmond VA
Virginia Haley, CDME
Former President
Visit Sarasota County
Tracy Kimberlin, CDME
Former President & CEO
Visit Springfield
Ernest Wooden Jr.
Former President & CEO
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
DI Foundation Spirit of Hospitality Award
The Destinations International Foundation's highest honor, the Spirit of Hospitality Award, is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to the foundation, the association and the broader travel and tourism industry.
2026 Recipient
Amir Eylon
President & CEO, Partner
Longwoods International
Destination Organization Leadership Award
The Destination Organization Leadership Award was created in 2017 and is among the association's most prestigious honors, recognizing outstanding individuals who, through exceptional leadership, service and achievements, have made a significant impact on the destination organization industry and the communities they serve.
2026 Honorees
Susan Freeman
Executive Director
Meet Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Maura Gast, FCDME
Executive Director
Visit Irving Texas
Dave Herrell, CTA
President & CEO
Visit Quad Cities
Melvin Tennant, CAE
President & CEO
Meet Minneapolis
Destination Organization Award for Global Impact
Created in 2023, the Destination Organization Award for Global Impact recognizes destination organizations that have made a significant impact on the global destination industry through exceptional leadership, innovation and service to their communities.
2026 Recipient
Greater Medellín Convention & Visitors Bureau
Medellín, Colombia
The Greater Medellín Convention & Visitors Bureau is being recognized for its leadership and contributions to advancing destination leadership and tourism development while creating meaningful economic and social impact within its community and throughout the global visitor economy.
