Bringing 30+ years of Travel Industry experience, Steven Paganelli joined Tripadvisor in January 2013 now serving as Director of Destinations, Hotels, & OTAs, Americas. In his role, Steve spearheads innovative ways to connect DMOs, Hotels, and OTAs with a ½ billion monthly Tripadvisor travelers, supports a seasoned sales team, and manages strategic relationships with key industry organizations. He serves on the German National Tourist Office Advisory Board, the Destinations International CDME Advisory Board and Partner Advisory Committee, Discover Puerto Rico Advisory Board, and IAB ED&I Task Force.

Prior to joining Tripadvisor, Steve spent six years with cooperative marketing and digital agencies serving DMOs. Five of those years were focused on launching a successful Destination Division for the interactive marketing agency, TIG Global, a Micros Company. There, Steve developed the company’s product and service offering, managed business development resulting in a portfolio of over 30 clients driving $4M in annual billings, and served as Destination Strategist.

Before returning to the private sector, Steve spent 13 years at DMOs in Connecticut – nine as President & CEO. His other roles included VP of Sales & Marketing and Director of Convention Sales. In these positions, Steve oversaw all print and digital marketing efforts including website development and the selection and implementation of CRM solutions. In addition, Steve’s bureaus were early adopters of online tactics winning recognition for efforts in SEM, email marketing, and social media including HSMAI’s prestigious Adrian Award. While in Connecticut, Steve co-founded the State’s first LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and proudly published one of the tourism industry’s first integrated LGBT Visitors Guides.

Steve has chaired numerous committees and organizations, served on the then Destination Marketing Association International Board of Directors and received his Destination Marketing Executive Certification (CDME).  He majored in Speech Communication Arts at Hofstra University with minors in English, History, and Psychology.