LRCVB’s Gretchen Hall to lead Destinations International

Destinations International has announced the new 2021-2022 association Board of Directors and foundation Board of Trustees. Gretchen Hall, CDME, president and CEO of the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, assumed the role of chair of Destinations International.

The group represents tourism, travel and convention officials globally.

“We now know what a world without travel looks like,” said Gretchen Hall, president and CEO of the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau and Chair of Destinations International. “How tenuous our attachment to each other can be when our only connection is on a screen or through a mask. The power of travel – its necessity, its fundamental role in the nature of our humanity, has never been more evident.

“Now, as vaccines are distributed and the globe begins to reopen, the world needs a different kind of healing. A kind of healing that only comes from shared experiences and expanded horizons that travel allows. Seventeen months ago, this industry was at its worst, and now the world is calling for us to be at our best. Destinations International will play a key role in preparing and assisting destination organizations as we answer that call and define this industry for generations to come,” Hall added.

The 2021-2022 Destinations International Officers are:

Chair: Gretchen Hall, CDME, Little Rock CVB
Chair-Elect: Al Hutchinson, Visit Baltimore
Immediate Past-Chair: Butch Spyridon, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation
Secretary/Treasurer: Fred Dixon, NYC & Company
At-Large Officer, Leslie Bruce, President and CEO, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism

The 2021-2022 Board of Directors are listed below:

Craig Compagnone, MMGY Global
Erin Francis-Cummings, Destination Analysts
Fred Dixon, NYC & Company
Melyssa Reeves, CDME, Visit Vacaville
Monica Smith, CDME, Southeast Tourism Society
Rickey Thigpen, Visit Jackson
Scott White, Greater Palm Springs CVB

“Destinations International and the Destinations International Foundation are driven by the experienced volunteers serving on our boards and committees,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “We are truly grateful for the time, counsel and service these individuals dedicate to our industry and we look forward to their leadership during their time as a board member and beyond. It is our pleasure and honor to welcome our newest directors and trustees to the boards for 2021-2022.”