Destinations International Announces “30 Under 30 Class of 2025”
Annual program offers valuable educational and networking opportunities for emerging destination leaders
Washington, D.C. (March 24, 2025) — Destinations International (DI), the world’s leading and most respected association representing destination organizations and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), today announced its “30 Under 30 Class of 2025,” a group of exceptional young destination professionals. To learn more about each honoree, click here. The initiative is funded by the Destinations International Foundation.
Destinations International is committed to developing future industry leaders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Through a competitive process each year, 30 individuals under the age of 30 are selected for a valuable year-long industry education and networking opportunity. This year’s honorees hail from 30 unique destinations across four countries and territories and were selected from a competitive pool of 91 applicants.
“The 30 Under 30 program is a critical initiative directly aligned with the mission and vision of our association,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “The destinations sector and travel and tourism industry offer a wide range of exciting career opportunities, and it is crucial that we help identify and encourage our future leaders. We are excited to welcome these accomplished individuals to the Destinations International 30 Under 30 Class of 2025.”
“The Destinations International Foundation believes it is essential to support and empower emerging leaders in our industry,” said Amir Eylon, president and CEO of Longwoods International and chair of the Destinations International Foundation. “We are thrilled to see the 30 Under 30 program enter its 15th year, and we are thankful to our foundation investors for making impactful programs like these possible. We look forward to engaging with this impressive group through professional development, educational opportunities and networking with industry peers and leaders.”
“We are thrilled to welcome a new class of 30 under 30 honorees,” said Mike Gamble, chairman and CEO of SearchWide Global. “These emerging leaders represent the bright future of our industry with their exceptional drive, innovation, energy and passion. We are incredibly proud to support them on their journey.”
30 Under 30 Class of 2025
• Aimy Thai, Marketing Manager, Destination Toronto
• Allie May, Senior Coordinator, Brand USA
• Ansley Connor, Content and Social Media Manager, Visit Savannah
• Aubrey Caldwell, Sports Event Coordinator, Visit Lake Charles
• Benjamin Landis, Marketing Manager, Discover Santa Clara
• Cameron Molloy, Communications Specialist, Visit Mesa
• Charlotte Moody, Director of Sales, Visit Macon
• Elise Cameron, Creative Services Manager, Visit Aurora
• Erin Sinclair, Travel Media Manager, Destination Greater Victoria
• Gabe Wasylko, Senior Social Media Manager, Destination Cleveland
• Jen Wingate, CMP, Senior National Sales Manager, Visit Baltimore
• Katlyn Southern, Marketing and Communications Manager, Cartersville Museum City
• Kiira Grant, Tourism Standards and Training Specialist - Learning & Development Professional, Bermuda Tourism Authority
• Lauren Brown, Marketing & Social Media Specialist, Visit Austin
• Lea Nelson, Brand and Content Coordinator, Visit Quad Cities
• Lydia Williams, Industry Communications Manager, VISIT FLORIDA
• Mallori Johnson, Director of Destination Services, Visit Corpus Christi
• Mary Peyton Carpenter, Sr. Director of Marketing, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
• Melissa Bernal, Destination Experience Coordinator, Visit Greater Palm Springs
• Nick Price, Senior Manager, Sports & Events, Destination DC
• Nohemi Reynoso, Communications Manager, Pick Ellijay/Gilmer Chamber
• Rachel Nogalski, Director of Experience & Events, Tulsa Regional Tourism
• Raelyn Dessart, Senior Sales & Events Supervisor, Visit Central Florida Sports
• Rebekah Courtney, National Sales Manager, Louisville Tourism
• Rylee Govoreau, Destination Services Manager, ATL Airport District CVB
• Shauna Fitzgerald, Association Conferences Support, Fáilte Ireland
• Siri Emereje, Marketing Manager, Discover DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Taylor Melangton, Event & Communications Manager, Visit Indy
• Tyler Duplantis, Destination Sales Manager, Explore Houma
• Valeria Ayala, Media Relations Coordinator, Discover Puerto Rico
In addition to the 30 Under 30 program, Destinations International recognizes a cohort of young professionals from its partners, offering them the opportunity to join virtual leadership development and networking sessions alongside the 30 Under 30 Class throughout the year. The 2025 young professional leadership development program cohort includes:
• August Erickson, Development Manager, Miles Partnership
• Geena Bevenour, Marketing Manager, Tourism Economics
• Mackenzie Shields, Digital Media Specialist, JNS Next
• Samantha Gerhart, Associate Director, Madden Media
Celebrating its 15th year, the 30 Under 30 program is supported by founding program partner SearchWide Global and sponsored by Fired Up! Culture and IMEX.
The Destinations International Foundation also is grateful for the support of USAE for the “Anne Daly Heller USAE 30 Under 30 Scholars Fund.” The fund is intended to provide exceptional continuing educational opportunities for participants of each year’s 30 Under 30 class. To learn more or donate, click here.
For more information on the 30 Under 30 program and the 30 Under 30 Class of 2025, click here.
