COMMUNITY NEWS
FLICKR/RICHARD
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D.C. sets domestic
visitation record
Destination DC announced that the
District of Columbia welcomed 20 mil-
lion domestic visitors in 2016. This is a
record high, and it represents a 3.6 per-
cent increase over 2015. Destination DC
also reports that visitors spent a record
$7.3 billion.
“These numbers articulate the
national appetite for new and enduring
tourism inventory in the District, as well
as Destination DC’s ability to capture
consumers on multiple platforms,” said
Elliott L. Ferguson, president and CEO of
the organization.
Mayflower promotes
new president, hires new
sales manager
Mayflower Tours promoted Nish Patel to
company president in May. Patel has been
with Mayflower for 17 years, and he had
been serving as chief operating officer.
“We are gratified and most
pleased that Nish has accepted our
offer to make him president,” said
John Stachnik, former president of
Mayflower Tours. Stachnik owns the
company with his wife, Mary. “Over
the past 17 years with Mayflower, he
has worked tirelessly in all areas of the
business. He can speak with as much
authority as possible on areas ranging
from travel insurance matters to draft-
ing and implementing short- and long-
term strategic plans.”
“I believe with the platform we have
built that Mayflower is poised for even
greater growth in upcoming years with
Nish at the helm,” said Mary Stachnik.
52
July 2017
“I am honored to assume the presi-
dency of Mayflower Tours,” Patel said.
“The trust they have placed in me has
allowed us to explore new areas and
successfully launch new programs. I
have a fantastic team here, and with
their support we will continue on the
path of success in the coming years.”
Mayflower also announced hiring Michel
Madjerich as its southeast sales manager.
“My passion has always been groups,”
said Madjerich. “Mayflower Tours’
impeccable reputation for group busi-
ness prevails by offering gold-standard,
all-inclusive experiences. I am very
enthusiastic about being an integral part
of the Mayflower Tours sales team.”
Madjerich has more than 15 years of
experience in the travel industry. She has
previously worked for Scenic River Cruises,
Delta Vacations and Celebrity Cruises.
Tourism Richmond
names new CEO
British Columbia-based
Tourism Richmond
named Bruce Okabe as
its new CEO in March.
He now leads the DMO
following the departure of its previous
chief executive in late 2016.
Okabe previously held executive posi-
tions in marketing, strategy and man-
agement at TELUS Corporation. In 2006
he became deputy minister of tourism,
sport and the arts in the government
of British Columbia, and in 2009 he was
appointed CEO of Travel Alberta.
“Bruce is an exceptional leader
who has an outstanding track record
with DMOs and large businesses in
Canada,” said Eda Koot, chair of Tourism
Richmond. “We are very fortunate to
have him lead our organization in the
next phase of its evolution. His vision
and leadership will be a tremendous ben-
efit to our stakeholders and destination.”
“Richmond has become a well-known
destination, and I’m excited to be part
of the team at Tourism Richmond,”
said Okabe. “I believe there is a great
untapped opportunity in marketing our
city to the world. I am very much look-
ing forward to working with our stake-
holders to unlock our potential.”
Barrett leads
Pocono
Mountains CVB
Christopher Barrett
is the new president
and CEO of the Pocono
Mountains CVB. He
replaced Carl Wilgus, who is retiring
after leading the CVB for nearly 10 years.
Barrett comes to the CVB from Target
Media, an East Coast advertising firm,
where he had been CFO, COO and vice
president. He has also worked in sales
and marketing positions for Hershey
Entertainment & Resorts.
“We are extremely excited to have
Chris on board leading a top-notch
destination marketing team,” said
Genevieve Reese, chair of the Pocono
Mountains CVB’s search committee.
Kidder promoted
to president and
CEO of Louisiana
Travel Promotion
Association
Jill Kidder was named
president and CEO
of the Louisiana Travel Promotion
Association in May. Prior to her promo-
tion, she served 10 years as one of two
co-executive directors.
“I am honored to help lead Louisiana’s
tourism industry,” said Kidder. “This is
such an important time in the state’s
economic development efforts, and tour-
ism plays a vital role.”
“For the past decade, LTPA has enjoyed
a unique, successful leadership structure
with two much-admired tourism pros
sharing the top job,” said LTPA Board
Chairman Mark Romig. “In December,
our board voted unanimously to shift Jill
into the full-time role of president and
CEO. This is a marquee moment in the
association’s history, and we are excited
about this leadership transition.”
Kidder has worked in tourism and
hospitality for more than 30 years. Prior
to joining the LTPA staff, she worked
as in marketing and sales for Rapides
Parish, the Alexandria/Pineville CVB and
the Alexandria Riverfront Center. She
has also worked for hotels in Tennessee,
Mississippi and Louisiana.