The Inbound Report

Covering the Inbound Tourism Industry Since 1996

Faces from the RTO Summit East, New York City: Day Two

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More than 50 tour operators met just over 100 travel suppliers and DMOs for a day of 10-minute, face-to-face appointments in an intense business appointment atmosphere, prefaced by a networking breakfast and with a luncheon at mid day. Following are some of the people who were a part of it all.

 

Amanda Jiang (left), tour and travel trade sales manager, Asia and Pacific, Hornblower Niagara; and Jennifer Tsou, Apple Express

 

Left to right: Tillie Youngs, sales manager, 1000 Island International Tourism Council; Leah Mueller, Visit Buffalo Niagara; and Sally Berry, tourism sales and marketing manager, Corning Museum of Glass.

 

Christina Marcotte, travel trade manager, Niagara Falls Canada; and Harry Wade, tourism marketing manager, Duty Free Americas.

 

Jesús Garcia, sales manager, Atlanta CVB; and Alex Philby, director of leisure sales, SLS Las Vegas resort and casino.

 

Anthony Liu, president and CEO, American Holidays; and Candy Chuang, groups coordinator, American Holidays.

 

Marko Manojlovic, vice president, Amadeo Travel Solutions.

 

Josephine Formato, sales manager, special groups and incentives, AmericanTours International.

 

Ellen Yampolskaya, managing director, Lux Americas.

 

Abbie Arnott, manager, international leisure trade sales, Niagara Parks (Canada).

 

Jesse Lambert, Houmas House Plantation and Gardens.

 

Holly Zhao, co-founder and general manager, Bigdream Tours Enterpise Inc.; and Larry Chen, co-founder and president, Bigdream Tours Enterprise Inc.

 

Marcela Henao, destinations manager, Expedia Local Expert.

 

From Focus Travel: Margarita Delgado (left); and Lina M. Martin, director of sales & marketing.

 

From G2 Travel are: Esra Samrioglu, destination manager, hotel division, Inbound USA and Canada; and Yasir Talib, senior destination manager, service division, Inbound USA and Canada.

 

Anjani Kumar (left), operations manager, Swiss & USA markets, Worldwide DMC; and Dhruvang Thakker, assistant sales manager, USA Region, Worldwide DMC.

 

Taking a break with her “portable office” between appointments is Latoya Grant-Carswell, groups and charter sales association, Gray Line/City Sightseeing New York.

 

Jeanne Hart, tour and travel sales manager, Courtyard Gettysburg; and Heather Colache, tourism account director, Meet AC (Atlantic City) convention and groups sales.

 

Marilou Morado-Castro, regional vice president, Amerilink International Corp.

 

The Daytona Beach Team (Left to right): Leda Beever, travel tourism sales & product development manager, Daytona Beach Area CVB; Efrain Vargas, director of sales & marketing, Daytona Beach Resort Hotel & Suites; and Jenean Chavey, senior sales manger, Oceanside Inn Daytona Beach.

 

Sufiyah Bundy, national sales manager, National 4-H Conference Center.

 

David Lin, general manager, Citi Travel; and Davis Ho, manager, Citi Travel.

 

From MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas: Neli Alvarez (left), sales manager, travel industry group sales; and Jules Hinds-Dillon, sales manager travel industry group sales.

 

Jake Steinman, founder and CEO, NAJ Group, gives delegates a brief update on the organization’s events and activities.

 

NAJ’s newly appointed president, Sofia Williamson, serves as emcee for the RTOE luncheon.

 

Luncheon sponsors Tanya Leader (left), vice president of sales, St. Tammany Parish/New Orleans North Shore; and Tracy Francis, national sales manager, tourism, Visit Baton Rouge, make a short presentation.

 

Harry Wade, tourism marketing manager for luncheon sponsor Duty Free Americas.

 

Left to right: Julie Katz, managing director, TourMappers; Leah Mueller, Visit Buffalo Niagara; Jake Steinman, founder and CEO, NAJ Group.

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Celina Sinclair, partner relations coordinator, Utah Office of Tourism, Film and Global Branding, State of Utah, Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

 

Thomas Marcial (left), vice president, purchasing, North America, AC Group; and Lee Florence, senior contracts manager, AC Group.

 

From Hard Rock Cafe: Tara Hippensteel, director of tour and travel, North America, Hard Rock Cafe International; and Joseph Delbuono, sales and marketing manager, Hard Rock Cafe, New York.

 

Cathaline Antigua, director of contracting, Midwest & Canada, teamamerica.

 

Nearing day’s end, Melissa Cain, a member of the product and contracting team at JBS Hotels, shows us how to be cheery when accepting someone’s business card.

 

When your organization is the event’s badge sponsor, said Rafael Villanueva, senior director of international sales, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, it’s like wearing your business card.

 

Angelica Kennedy, New York City account manager, Go West Tours (USA & Canada).

 

Raul Lingan, senior manager, special groups & incentives, Latin America, Gastaldi USA.

 

Room vouchers, free admission tickets to attractions and other highly prized items waiting to be raffled off at the post appointment reception

 

NAJ’s president, Sofia Williamsson (left), with Barbara Stephen, part of the NAJ on-site team, tell us that they’ll be ready for us at the RTO Summit East in 2019.

Faces of the RTO Summit East—Part One

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The first day of NAJ’s RTO Summit East served up an agenda of subjects that were particularly topical and had delegates at the sold-out event showing up in the face of inhospitable weather and stubbornly cold temperatures that had many wondering if it was still winter in New York City. More than a few of those who attended the day’s program had to work through flight and/or rail disruptions to make it to the Wyndham New Yorker hotel in Manhattan. But show up they did. From the events two days, here’s a photo selection from Day One, which revolved about a full schedule of presentations, panel discussions and roundtable exchanges.

 

The NAJ team made sure that delegates knew which way to turn once they arrived at the Wyndham New Yorker.

 

Rose Hapanowich had to endure delays in her travel, but she made it to the hotel in time.

 

Jason Hackett, president of the Manhattan-based Brier Katama Agency, served as moderator of the day’s program.

 

Friends and colleagues as well: Mike Prejean (left), international marketing and sales, contracts and missions, Louisiana Office of Tourism; and David Kemp, vice president, global sales and media relations, Travel South USA

 

Anna Karnowski (left), director of sales, SPYSCAPE; and Stefan Merkl, president, Explore Marketing.

 

Sheelagh Wyle, vice president, business development and head of sales, Midways Attractions, North America, Merlin Entertainments, answers a question during a panel discussion on trends regarding receptive tour operators.

 

Stacy Sheets, digital marketing director, Capital Region USA, discussed her organization’s social media marketing programs.

 

Malcolm Smith (left), senior vice president of business development and general manager of IPW, U.S. Travel Association, with Alex Philby, director of leisure sales, SLA Las Vegas hotel & casino.

 

Karen Gregorian makes a point during a presentation on “Trends Shaping Inbound Tourism from China.”

 

Lian Liu, managing director, Hippo International, follows the discussion after a presentation on Trends Shaping Inbound Tourism from China.

 

Julie Payne, marketing consultant for Hershey’s Chocolate World; and Greg Marshall, senior vice president, director of marketing, Visit Rochester.

 

Left to right: Malcolm Smith (left), senior vice president of business development and general manager of IPW, U.S. Travel Association; Patricia Rojas-Unger, vice president, public affairs, U.S. Travel Association; and Jason Hackett, president of the Manhattan-based Brier Katama Agency.

 

) Anne Klenke, tourism director, Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB, gets set to make a presentation on her agency’s international marketing partnership with Visit Houston.

 

Mark Morello, CEO, AlliedTPro, waits to respond to a question from the audience during his presentation.

 

Left to right: Qiong Wang, director of sales and marketing-North America & Caribbean, Diamond Resorts International; Esther Roth, senior group manager, AlliedTPro; and Charlene Hale, leisure manager, Visit Jefferson Parish.

 

Left to right: Tillie Youngs, sales manager, 1000 Islands International Tourism Council; Kalynne Defever, tourism specialist, Detroit Metro CVB; and Vickie Evans, global tourism and partner sales, The Henry Ford.

 

Left to right: Crystal Fresco, director of marketing and business development, The Mills at Jersey Gardens; Casey Cluver, manager, global tourism sales, Meet Minneapolis; and Suzi Steiger, president, RMP Travel.

 

Left to right: Kimberly Newman, director, event travel sales and operations, BGB Executive Travel; Sally Berry, tourism sales and marketing manager, Corning Museum of Glass; and Anne Klenke, tourism director, Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB

 

Yves Fore, vice president-U.S. Operations, America Beyond.

 

Left to right: Hannah Oliver, tour and travel sales manager, Visit Loudon; Jennifer De Luca, destination sales manger, Visit Alexandria (Va.); and Josephine Formato, sales manager, special groups and incentives, AmericanTours International.

 

Jack Lok, advisor, Universal Vision; and Julie Payne, marketing consultant for Hershey’s Chocolate World.

 

Jennifer Costa (left), director, Elizabeth (N.J.) Destination Marketing Organization; and Lisa Arrell, director of tourism sales, Kitchen Kettle Village.

 

Juan Sepulveda, director of international sales, The Roosevelt Hotel; and Carolyn Feimster, travel and tourism manager, Shop•Dine•Play•USA.

 

Leah Mueller (left), director of tourism sales, Tour Buffalo Niagara; and Gayle Junnila, market development manager, Explore Minnesota.

 

Lorena Garcia (left), director, global tourism marketing, Simon Shopping Destinations; and Crystal Fresco, director of marketing and business development, The Mills at Jersey Gardens.

 

Tomás Rey, president, Rey Royal.

 

Rafael Villanueva (right), senior director of international sales, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority; and Alex Philby, director of leisure sales, SLA Las Vegas hotel & casino.

 

Jack Lok, advisor, Universal Vision; and Harry Wade, tourism marketing manager, Duty Free Americas.

 

—Next week, we’ll have photos from Day Two of the RTO Summit East—

 

INBOUND on the ROAD: International Media Marketplace

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INBOUND took part in the recent International Media Marketplace at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City. Some 600 travel suppliers and journalists attended the event, which is hosted by TravMedia, and is one of a series of seven such marketplaces held annually in locations in Asia, South America, Europe and North America. Following is a photo sampler of the tour and travel professionals who were part of the New York event.

Nick Wayland, TravMedia’s CEO & Founder, opens the International Media Marketplace

Cathy Reynolds, manager, media relations and lead manager, IPW press operations
U.S. Travel Association

Erika Richter, director, communications, American Society of Travel Agents

 

Lisa Konupka, social media manager, Tunica (Miss.) Convention & Visitors Bureau

 

Emily Lauer, senior director of public relations/communications; and Nick Urig, communications manager, Destination Cleveland.

 

Andy Newman, whose NewmanPR has represented Key West and the Florida Keys for decades

 

Peter Greenberg, well-known and readily recognizable travel editor at CBS News

 

From Visit St. Pete/Clearwater are Leroy Bridges (left), media interactive director; and Mackenzie Monteiro, media relations manager.

 

Jennifer Buske-Sigal, media relations manager, Visit Loudon

 

From New York City & Company are Kim Klein (left), director, public relations, U.S. and Canada; and Britt Hijkoop, senior manager, international public relations.

 

The young Giant Sequoia trees on the right provide a way to open a discussion for the two-person team representing Tuolumne County, Yosemite, Gold Country and the High Sierra regions of California: Katie Kirkland (left), communications and tourism manager; and Susan Wilson, publicist.

 

Laurie Armstrong Gossy, senior director, global PR & media relations, San Francisco Travel Association

 

Zane Harrington, communications project specialist, domestic, Visit Dallas

 

Jackie Alvarez, assistant public relations manager, USA, Hong Kong Tourism Board

 

Deborah Wakefield, vice president of communications and public relations, CityPASS

 

Katherine Wise, communications manager, Visit Austin

 

Anne Van Gorp, director of communications, Visit West Hollywood

 

Joyce Kiehl, director of communications, Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau

 

Inbound’s next event: Connect Travel Marketplace

A Picture is Worth … IPW Part II

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Day Three: The first day of face-to-face business had INBOUND’s photographer making stops at the BRAND USA press conference, and taking part in the day-long Media Marketplace—sponsored by CityPass—along with a look-in at the opening sit-down luncheon for some 6,000 delegates.

 

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It was SRO as more than 300 journalists and onlookers crowded a conference room to learn what Brand USA is up to.

 

From Brand USA’s senior leadership (left to right): Thomas Garzilli, chief marketing officer; Donald Richardson, chief financial officer; and Carroll Rheem, vice president for research and analytics.
From Brand USA’s senior leadership (left to right): Thomas Garzilli, chief marketing officer; Donald Richardson, chief financial officer; and Carroll Rheem, vice president for research and analytics.

 

Aloe Blacc (left) musician, who will be working with producer Shaun MacGillivray (right) on the next big screen film that will promote USA’s urban adventures.
Aloe Blacc (left) musician, who will be working with producer Shaun MacGillivray (right) on the next big screen film that will promote USA’s urban adventures.

 

CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg.
CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg.

 

(Left to right): Douglas MacKenzie, director of media relations, VisitPhoenix; Laura McMurchie, Scottsdale, Arizona; and Luiz deMoura, managing director, Latin America, TraveMedia.
(Left to right): Douglas MacKenzie, director of media relations, VisitPhoenix; Laura McMurchie, Scottsdale, Arizona; and Luiz deMoura, managing director, Latin America, TraveMedia.

 

Debra Gunn Downing, executive director, marketing, South Coast Plaza; and Brian Chuan director of travel trade development, South Coast Plaza.
Debra Gunn Downing, executive director, marketing, South Coast Plaza; and Brian Chuan, director of travel trade development, South Coast Plaza.

 

Rafael Abreu, director of sales and marketing, Statue Cruises.
Rafael Abreu, director of sales and marketing, Statue Cruises.

 

(Left to right): Jamie Morris, manager, media relations, US Travel; Markus Elter, who represents US Travel in Germany; Jo Thomas, US Travel’s public relations representative in the UK; and Kate Burgess-Craddy, a public relations executive based in the UK.
(Left to right): Jamie Morris, manager, media relations, US Travel; Markus Elter, who represents US Travel in Germany; Jo Thomas, US Travel’s public relations representative in the UK; and Kate Burgess-Craddy, a public relations executive based in the UK.

 

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross address IPW opening luncheon.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross addresses IPW opening luncheon.

 

Jeffrey Hentz, president and CEO of the Port Aransas (Texas) Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Bureau.
Jeffrey Hentz, president and CEO of the Port Aransas (Texas) Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Bureau.

 

Deborah Wakefield, vice president of communications and public relations, CityPASS, which sponsors the International Media Markeplace at !PW.
Deborah Wakefield, vice president of communications and public relations, CityPASS, which sponsors the International Media Markeplace at !PW.

 

Jo Banner, communications manager, New Orleans Plantation Country; and Joseph Dunn, director of sales, marketing and public relations, Laura-A Creole Plantation.
Jo Banner, communications manager, New Orleans Plantation Country; and Joseph Dunn, director of sales, marketing and public relations, Laura-A Creole Plantation.

 

Stephanie Fermin (left), media and public relations manager, San Matero County/Silcon Valley CVB; and Frances Wong, senior public relations manager, Visit Oakland.
Stephanie Fermin (left), media and public relations manager, San Mateo County/Silcon Valley CVB; and Frances Wong, senior public relations manager, Visit Oakland.

 

Janna Safonova, reporter for Moscow-based TTG Luxury/TGG Russia.
Janna Safonova, reporter for Moscow-based TTG Luxury/TTG Russia.

 

David E. Villarrubia, founder, chevalier, Edgar Degas House, New Orleans.
David E. Villarrubia, founder, chevalier, Edgar Degas House, New Orleans.

 

Nan Marchand Beauvois, vice president, national councils, general manager, ESTO and managing director, Meetings Mean Business Coalition, U.S. Travel Association; and Mark Newman, Indiana state tourism director.
Nan Marchand Beauvois, vice president, national councils, general manager, ESTO and managing director, Meetings Mean Business Coalition, U.S. Travel Association; and Mark Newman, Indiana state tourism director.

 

From the Maryland Department of Commerce: Connie Yingling (left), communications specialist, tourism development; and Leslie Troy, public relations manager.
From the Maryland Department of Commerce: Connie Yingling (left), communications specialist, tourism development; and Leslie Troy, public relations manager.

 

Peter Ellegard, UK-based freelance travel journalist; and Phoebe Smith, editor, Wanderlust travel magazine.
Peter Ellegard, UK-based freelance travel journalist; and Phoebe Smith, editor, Wanderlust travel magazine.

 

From Experience Kissimmee: Jodi Disalle (left), vice president of marketing and communications; and Cori Powers, director of communications.
From Experience Kissimmee: Jodi Disalle (left), vice president of marketing and communications; and Cori Powers, director of communications.

 

Mariela Estrella, director, Explore Brooklyn and Business Relationships, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; and Varun Sanyal, director economic development policy, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.
Mariela Estrella, director, Explore Brooklyn and Business Relationships, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; and Varun Sanyal, director economic development policy, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.

 

Julie L. Gilbert (right), vice president of marketing and brand management, Destination Niagara USA; and Andrea Czopp, director of communications, Destination Niagara USA.
Julie L. Gilbert (right), vice president of marketing and brand management, Destination Niagara USA; and Andrea Czopp, director of communications, Destination Niagara USA.

 

Nancy Gallagher (left), manager-tourism partnerships, Macy’s; and Stephen Braun, manager, tourism marketing, Macy’s.
Nancy Gallagher (left), manager-tourism partnerships, Macy’s; and Stephen Braun, manager, tourism marketing, Macy’s.

 

Celebrating the 20th birthday of CityPass, sponsor of the IPW International Media Marketplace, are co-founders and co-chairmen of the company, Mike Morey (left); and Mike Gallagher.
Celebrating the 20th birthday of CityPass, sponsor of the IPW International Media Marketplace, are co-founders and co-chairmen of the company, Mike Morey (left); and Mike Gallagher.

 

 

Day Four: A morning full of press conferences; a show-biz luncheon sponsored by New York City & Company and Broadway Inbound; and face-to-face business appointments.

 

Greg Staley (right), US Travel’s senior vice president, communications; and Michael Jacobson, director, industry relations and political engagement for the organization.
Greg Staley (right), US Travel’s senior vice president, communications; and Michael Jacobson, director, industry relations and political engagement for the organization.

 

Bill Talbert, president and CEO, Greater Miami CVB.
Bill Talbert, president and CEO, Greater Miami CVB.

 

Joe Docal, director of travel industry sales-Latin America and the Caribbean, Greater Miami CVB.
Joe Docal, director of travel industry sales-Latin America and the Caribbean, Greater Miami CVB.

 

Bill Talbert, president and CEO, Greater Miami CVB; and Christopher Thompson, president and CEO, Brand USA.
Bill Talbert, president and CEO, Greater Miami CVB; and Christopher Thompson, president and CEO, Brand USA.

 

Andrew Horn (left), president and CEO, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; and Fred Dixon, president and CEO, New York City & Company.
Andrew Horn (left), president and CEO, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; and Fred Dixon, president and CEO, New York City & Company.

 

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Packed news conference listens as, in the distance, Christopher Heywood, senior vice president, global communications, NYC & Company, makes presentation

 

Jason Hackett, head of marketing, Gulliver’s Gate, discusses the new Manhattan attraction.
Jason Hackett, head of marketing, Gulliver’s Gate, discusses the new Manhattan attraction.

 

Rich Grant, long-time director of communications for the Denver CVB and now freelance journalist, with travel journalist and photographer Kit Bernardi.
Rich Grant, long-time director of communications for the Denver CVB and now freelance journalist, with travel journalist and photographer Kit Bernardi.

 

Julie Coker Graham (right) president & CEO, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau; and Joseph F. Messina, deputy director of aviation, Philadelphia International Airport.
Julie Coker Graham (right) president & CEO, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau; and Joseph F. Messina, deputy director of aviation, Philadelphia International Airport.

 

Following lunch, sponsored by New York City & Company and Broadway Inbound, the Blue Man Group launches the entertainment part of the program.
Following lunch, sponsored by New York City & Company and Broadway Inbound, the Blue Man Group launches the entertainment part of the program.

 

Film, television and stage actor Tamara Tunie, also a Tony Award-winning producer, emcees luncheon entertainment program.
Film, television and stage actor Tamara Tunie, also a Tony Award-winning producer, emcees luncheon entertainment program.

 

Henry Gottfried and Betsy Wolfe, principals in the new Broadway hit musical, “Waitress,” sing a number from the show.
Henry Gottfried and Betsy Wolfe, principals in the new Broadway hit musical, “Waitress,” sing a number from the show.

 

Betsy Cooper (left), tour operator community manager/marketing, NAJ Group, shows Audrey Poirot, regional product director at Destinations of the World, how to build an itinerary and find photos for brochures at TourOperatorLand.com, website of the NAJ Group, which publishes the Inbound Report.
Betsy Cooper (left), tour operator community manager/marketing, NAJ Group, shows Audrey Poirot, regional product director at Destinations of the World, how to build an itinerary and find photos for brochures at TourOperatorLand.com, website of the NAJ Group, which publishes the Inbound Report.

 

Jake Steinman, founder and CEO of the NAJ Group, with Noel Irwin-Hentschel, founder and chairman of AmericanTours International (ATI), who is showing NAJ’s IPW magazine article commemorating the 40th anniversary of ATI.
Jake Steinman, founder and CEO of the NAJ Group, with Noel Irwin-Hentschel, founder and chairman of AmericanTours International (ATI), who is showing NAJ’s IPW magazine article commemorating the 40th anniversary of ATI.

 

Brian Gallagher, director program management and business development, CityPASS.
Brian Gallagher, director program management and business development, CityPASS.

 

At the Tanger Outlets booth (left to right): Carrier Egerton, tenant services manager, tourism and special events coordinator (Bluffton, S.C.); Donna Danielson, general manager (Atlantic City); and Jessica Reeves, tourism manager, regional marketing director (Glendale, Ariz.).
At the Tanger Outlets booth (left to right): Carrier Egerton, tenant services manager, tourism and special events coordinator (Bluffton, S.C.); Donna Danielson, general manager (Atlantic City); and Jessica Reeves, tourism manager, regional marketing director (Glendale, Ariz.).

 

Song Yajun (left), tourism e-commerce business department, product director, Mafengwo.com; and Peter van Berkel, president, Travalco.
Song Yajun (left), tourism e-commerce business department, product director, Mafengwo.com; and Peter van Berkel, president, Travalco.

 

Fabiola I. Araya, managing director, MDC Turismo Chile, with Eric Thomas, who joined City Tours USA—the company headed by his brother, Ray—for IPW 2017.
Fabiola I. Araya, managing director, MDC Turismo Chile, with Eric Thomas, who joined City Tours USA—the company headed by his brother, Ray—for IPW 2017.

 

At the booth of On Location Tours: Georgette Blau (right), president; and Rebecca George, trade sales manager, Australia/New Zealand.
At the booth of On Location Tours: Georgette Blau (right), president; and Rebecca George, trade sales manager, Australia/New Zealand.

 

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Pat Lee, tourism marketing specialist, Cherry Creek Shopping Center; Amy Drouillard, director, center marketing, Taubman; and Rosemary McCormick, president and CEO, Shop America Alliance.

 

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Allix Wright, corporate communications officer-North America, Etihad Airways

 

Jorge Franz, senior vice president of tourism, Visit Houston, is interviewed by Mexican journalist Bibiana Saucedo.
Jorge Franz, senior vice president of tourism, Visit Houston, is interviewed by Mexican journalist Bibiana Saucedo.

 

Peggy Nana-Sinkam, group sales manager, The Amish Farm and House (Lancaster, Pa.).
Peggy Nana-Sinkam, group sales manager, The Amish Farm and House (Lancaster, Pa.).

 

Muriel Samama (left), whose portfolio includes receptive services, Harlem Spirituals Gospel and Jazz Tours and now, Maven American Journeys and Events, which features MICE and luxury product; and her long-time vice president, Erika Elisabeth.
Muriel Samama (left), whose portfolio includes receptive services, Harlem Spirituals Gospel and Jazz Tours and now, Maven American Journeys and Events, which features MICE and luxury product; and her long-time vice president, Erika Elisabeth.

 

From the host city’s Museum, the venue for the Sunday press brunch, are: Roxana Rivera (left), director of sales and marketing; and Linda Jeffries, group sales consultant.
From the host city’s Museum, the venue for the Sunday press brunch, are: Roxana Rivera (left), director of sales and marketing; and Linda Jeffries, group sales consultant.

 

At IPW for the Hualapai Nation (its borders include the famous Skywalk that juts out over the western rim of the Grand Canyon) and Grand Canyon Resort Corporation are: Loretta Jackson (left); Diana Ambrosie, general manager, Hualapai Lodge and Diamond Creek Restaurant; and Wilfred Whatoname.
At IPW for the Hualapai Nation (its borders include the famous Skywalk that juts out over the western rim of the Grand Canyon) and Grand Canyon Resort Corporation are: Loretta Jackson (left); Diana Ambrosie, general manager, Hualapai Lodge and Diamond Creek Restaurant; and Wilfred Whatoname.

 

Day Five: On the exhibit floor, a stop by the closing luncheon, and the closing event at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

 

John Nihara, director of sales, earl enterprises; and Ying “Springna”Zhao, China representative, Alabama Tourism.
John Nihara, director of sales, earl enterprises; and Ying “Springna” Zhao, China representative, Alabama Tourism.

 

Family reunion: Meghan Gallagher, a policy analyst with the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, stops by IPW to visit her father Mike Gallagher (right), co-founder and co-chair, CityPass; and brother, Brian Gallagher, director program management and business development, CityPASS.
Family reunion: Meghan Gallagher, a policy analyst with the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, stops by IPW to visit her father Mike Gallagher (right), co-founder and co-chair, CityPass; and brother, Brian Gallagher, director program management and business development, CityPASS.

 

At the earl enterprises booth: Roxanna Torrrens (left), senior director of travel industry sales; and Gretchen Heppler, director of national sales and partnerships.
At the earl enterprises booth: Roxanna Torrrens (left), senior director of travel industry sales; and Gretchen Heppler, director of national sales and partnerships.

 

Elliot Calloway, contracting manager, secondary and tertiary markets, Bonotel Exclusive Travel.
Elliot Calloway, contracting manager, secondary and tertiary markets, Bonotel Exclusive Travel.

 

At the booth of Tours Limited (left to right): Mita Mehta, global director for groups; Madhavi Chimalapati, senior director, sales and marketing (fixed departures); and Radhika Tripurani, director, media, marketing and attraction tickets.
At the booth of Tours Limited (left to right): Mita Mehta, global director for groups; Madhavi Chimalapati, senior director, sales and marketing (fixed departures); and Radhika Tripurani, director, media, marketing and attraction tickets.

 

Betsy Cooper, tour operator community manager/marketing, NAJ Group, is visited by Niki Vinogradoff (left), partner, success manager, Urban Adventures; and Tony Carne, general manager, Urban Adventures.
Betsy Cooper, tour operator community manager/marketing, NAJ Group, is visited by Niki Vinogradoff (left), partner, success manager, Urban Adventures; and Tony Carne, general manager, Urban Adventures.

 

Sue McGrew, artist and sculptor with Treasure Island-based Standing Ovation, puts the final touches on the Virginia Beach CVB sand sculpture located at one of the main entrances to IPW.
Sue McGrew, artist and sculptor with Treasure Island-based Standing Ovation, puts the final touches on the Virginia Beach CVB sand sculpture located at one of the main entrances to IPW.

 

Shane Lauler (left), vice president of sales, Starr Tours; and Bronwyn Wilson, president, International Motorcoach Group.
Shane Lauler (left), vice president of sales, Starr Tours; and Bronwyn Wilson, president, International Motorcoach Group.

 

John Hulsewe, CEO, North America Destinations; and Maria Hulsewe, president, North America Destinations.
John Hulsewe, CEO, North America Destinations; and Maria Hulsewe, president, North America Destinations.

 

Julius Valino, chief operating officers, AArius International.
Julius Valino, chief operating officers, AArius International.

 

Katherine Fischer (left) vice president of sales, TCS (Transportation Charter Services) with Aniseh Dalju, CEO at tour operator Onward.
Katherine Fischer (left) vice president of sales, TCS (Transportation Charter Services) with Aniseh Dalju, CEO at tour operator Onward.

 

Basheer Olabi, reservations manager, Mustashar Holidays, Kuwait.
Basheer Olabi, reservations manager, Mustashar Holidays, Kuwait.

 

Ricardo Lambertini, director Lambertini Representaciones en Turisom, Buenos Aires.
Ricardo Lambertini, director of Lambertini Representaciones en Turisom, Buenos Aires.

 

Betsy Cooper, tour operator community manager/marketing, NAJ Group, with Henrik Rousing Ketting, product manager, Risskov Travel Partner, Denmark.
Betsy Cooper, tour operator community manager/marketing, NAJ Group, with Henrik Rousing Ketting, product manager, Risskov Travel Partner, Denmark.

 

With Uncle Sam is Sheelagh Wylie vice president, business development & head of sales, Midways Attractions, North America, Merlin Entertainments.
With Uncle Sam is Sheelagh Wylie vice president, business development & head of sales, Midways Attractions, North America, Merlin Entertainments.

 

Arjan Helle, owner/CEO, Target Travel Marketing, The Netherlands.
Arjan Helle, owner/CEO, Target Travel Marketing, The Netherlands.

 

Janice Tozer, strategic account manager, Canada, USA West and Central, Hoteldo.com.
Janice Tozer, strategic account manager, Canada, USA West and Central, Hoteldo.com.

 

Nicholas Hentschel, executive vice president, AmericanTours International (ATI).
Nicholas Hentschel, executive vice president, AmericanTours International (ATI).

 

Jake Steinman, founder and CEO of the NAJ Group, which publishes the INBOUND Report, is flanked by City Tours USA President Ray Thomas (right) and his brother, Eric Thomas, who joined the company booth for IPW 2017.
Jake Steinman, founder and CEO of the NAJ Group, which publishes the INBOUND Report, is flanked by City Tours USA President Ray Thomas (right) and his brother, Eric Thomas, who joined the company booth for IPW 2017.

 

With his cowboy shirt, US Travel President and CEO Roger Dow gives a nod to one of the sartorial signatures of the Mountain West city of Denver, Colorado, host of the 2018 IPW.
With his cowboy shirt, US Travel President and CEO Roger Dow gives a nod to one of the sartorial signatures of the Mountain West city of Denver, Colorado, host of the 2018 IPW.

 

D.T. Minich, president and CEO of Experience Kissimmee, Wednesday’s luncheon sponsor, talks about developments that have made the destination, the “Vacation Capital of the World.”
D.T. Minich, president and CEO of Experience Kissimmee, Wednesday’s luncheon sponsor, talks about developments that have made the destination, the “Vacation Capital of the World.”

 

 

Kim Priez, vice president of tourism, Metropolitan New Orleans CVB.
Kim Priez, vice president of tourism, Metropolitan New Orleans CVB.

 

Mindy Shea (left), director of tour, travel and international sales, Visit Savannah; and Haybina Hao, senior travel writer.
Mindy Shea (left), director of tour, travel and international sales, Visit Savannah; and Haybina Hao, senior travel writer.

 

Long-time friends and business colleagues: Jesus Garcia (left), manager, international sales at Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau; and Alberto Sanchez, travel trade journalist from Buenos Aires, who has attended every IPW since 1986.
Long-time friends and business colleagues: Jesus Garcia (left), manager, international sales at Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau; and Alberto Sanchez, travel trade journalist from Buenos Aires, who has attended every IPW since 1986.

 

Ding Hai Yang, vice president of the Suzhou Tourism Union in China, is surrounded by the U.S. Presidential mascots for the Washington Nationals baseball team.
Ding Hai Yang, vice president of the Suzhou Tourism Union in China, is surrounded by the U.S. Presidential mascots for the Washington Nationals baseball team.

 

From Turnstile Tours NYC, here are Andrew Gustafson (left), vice president; and Cindy VandenBosch, founder and president.
From Turnstile Tours NYC, here are Andrew Gustafson (left), vice president; and Cindy VandenBosch, founder and president.

 

IPW delegates/baseball fans enjoying just milling around on the baseball playing field.
IPW delegates/baseball fans enjoying just milling around on the baseball playing field.

 

“Look at us! We’re on the big screen!”
“Look at us! We’re on the big screen!”

 

Enjoying the ballpark food (left to right): Jonathan Elkoubi, director-tourism, group sales and corporate events, Appleee’s; Stephanie Peed, group sales manager, Applbee’s Mid-Atlantic; and Carolina Data, director of sales and special events, Original Joe’s (of San Francisco).
Enjoying the ballpark food (left to right): Jonathan Elkoubi, director-tourism, group sales and corporate events, Applebee’s; Stephanie Peed, group sales manager, Applebee’s Mid-Atlantic; and Carolina Data, director of sales and special events, Original Joe’s (of San Francisco).
Stefan Merkl, founder and CEO of Explore Marketing, with Noreen Valera, director of sales, San Francisco Helicopters.
Stefan Merkl, founder and CEO of Explore Marketing, with Noreen Valera, director of sales, San Francisco Helicopters.

 

Jennifer Tsou, owner of the NYC tour operator Apple Express; and Harry Wade, tourism marketing manager, Duty Free Americas.
Jennifer Tsou, owner of the NYC tour operator Apple Express; and Harry Wade, tourism marketing manager, Duty Free Americas.

 

It’s a wrap.
It’s a wrap.

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