The essence of the tour and travel industry is formed around relationships, and the TourOperatorLand.com website of NAJ, which publishes the INBOUND report, has embarked on a program to acknowledge the industry’s top networkers. The best industry networkers have a loyal following by selflessly sharing experience, contacts and advice with their peers, as well as great follow-up with tour operators in a way that makes them both successful because they know that, in tourism, positive connections benefit everyone. We solicited nominations and comments from our industry data base, and share a few of them with you here.
—Mike Prejean, international services, Louisiana Office of Tourism. Mike is very engaged with the industry at all levels. He tirelessly leads the effort for his state—makes communicating with clients and partners a priority. Known to send spiffy e-mails in the wee hours of the morning; there is not a better networking in our industry.
—Lisa Catron, international sales manager, Memphis CVB. Everyone loves Lisa, and she does an amazing job representing her city, state and region around the globe. You can count on her to do what she says she will do—and always deliver 150 percent of what she promised.
—Jane Chang, global sales-Asia market, Millennium Hotels & Resorts. “Mama Jane” is the go-to person for many of us when we have questions about the Chinese market. She takes the tie to share insights, make introductions and help with WeChat without ever expecting anything in return.
—Robert Graff, corporate vice president of marketing and international sales, Papillon Group-Papillon Helicopters/Scenic Airlines. No question, Robert has a strong grasp of how to use digital marketing platforms! He seems to know everyone and is always willing to “share the wealth” with the rest of us through introductions and referrals.
—Sally Berry, tourism sales and marketing manager, Corning Museum of Glass. Sally really knows the industry from all sides and goes out of her way to work with anyone who wants here help and is always mentoring others.
