Destinations International Spotlights the 30 Under 30 Class of 2025 and Showcases Rising Leaders Ready to Drive Innovation in the Tourism Sector: You Need to Know – Travel And Tour World

Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Destinations International, the premier global association representing destination marketing and management organizations, has proudly revealed its highly anticipated 30 Under 30 Class of 2025—a dynamic cohort of young professionals shaping the future of tourism and destination development.
Backed by the Destinations International Foundation, this celebrated initiative identifies and nurtures rising stars under the age of 30 through a year-long professional development program focused on education, leadership, and peer networking. The 2025 class was selected from a competitive pool of 91 candidates and represents 30 distinct destinations spanning four countries and territories.

With a focus on elevating diverse perspectives and cultivating future leaders, the program plays a critical role in advancing innovation and inclusion across the global travel and tourism industry.
“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.”
Fresh Forces in Tourism: Destinations International Reveals the 30 Under 30 Class of 2025
A new wave of innovators is redefining what it means to lead in the tourism industry. Destinations International has officially named its 30 Under 30 Class of 2025, celebrating the bold, creative minds driving transformation at destination marketing organizations around the globe.
This year’s honorees reflect the next generation of tourism visionaries—strategists, marketers, storytellers, and experience curators who represent 30 different destinations across four nations and territories. Each was selected from a highly competitive pool of 91 candidates, and they bring fresh energy to everything from sports tourism and social media to destination branding and sales.

The 2025 Change-Makers

Aimy Thai | Marketing Manager, Destination Toronto
Allie May | Senior Coordinator, Brand USA
Ansley Connor | Content & 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 & Communications Manager, Cartersville Museum City
Kiira Grant | Tourism Standards & Training Specialist, Bermuda Tourism Authority
Lauren Brown | Marketing & Social Media Specialist, Visit Austin
Lea Nelson | Brand & 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 | Sr. 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 CVB
Taylor Melangton | Event & Communications Manager, Visit Indy
Tyler Duplantis | Destination Sales Manager, Explore Houma
Valeria Ayala | Media Relations Coordinator, Discover Puerto Rico

Beyond the 30: A Partner Cohort Joins the Journey

Recognizing the value of shared learning and collective growth, Destinations International also extended its development platform to four rising stars from partner organizations, who will take part in virtual sessions alongside the 30 Under 30 class:

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

A Milestone Year for an Iconic Program

Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, the 30 Under 30 initiative has become a cornerstone of Destinations International’s commitment to empowering emerging leaders across tourism. The program is made possible thanks to the enduring support of founding partner SearchWide Global, and is proudly sponsored by Fired Up! Culture and IMEX.
Further championing long-term leadership development, the Anne Daly Heller USAE 30 Under 30 Scholars Fund—supported by USAE—provides enhanced educational resources and opportunities for selected honorees.

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Tags: Destinations International, Tourism industry, Tourism news, US