Emerging Tourism Stars - eTourism Summit

eTourism Summit launched the Emerging Tourism Stars program in 2021 to recognize astute individuals in the eTourism Community of digital travel and tourism professionals.

Remember the high school yearbook tag, “most likely to succeed”? That’s who we’re looking for and we need you to tap them, please.

About Emerging Tourism Stars

Are you impressed by an up-and-coming colleague? Do you know someone who is new to the industry and deserves a shout-out for their enthusiasm and creativity? Perhaps there’s a social media manager who kills it day-in and day-out. Or maybe it’s a tourism partner who always has a fresh, new idea…

2022 Emerging Tourism Stars

See Past Winners

Ana R. Arzate

Marketing Coordinator

Visit Laredo

“I’m honored to be selected as one of the 2022 eTourism Summit Emerging Tourism Stars among talented individuals in the travel and tourism industry. I am proud to represent Laredo, Texas, serving my local community and learning from my peers across the country while sharing my passion about tourism and digital marketing!”

Seth Eli Barlow

Content Manager

Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau

“I’m truly honored to be selected as an eTourism Summit Emerging Tourism Star. I’m so thankful for the community I’ve found in the tourism industry and feel especially fortunate to represent the team at the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau. I’m excited to connect with even more tourism professionals and show everyone why I’m so big on Little Rock.”

Kathryn Shea Duncan

Director of Social Media

Visit Lake Charles

“I am honored to be selected as one of nine 2022 eTourism Summit Emerging Tourism Stars. Looking into the near future, this recognition gives me the opportunity to put Southwest Louisiana in a national spotlight, form deeper connections with industry partners, and gain first-hand knowledge from seasoned tour and travel professionals. I couldn’t be more thrilled for the opportunity to advance my destination marketing and communication expertise, which will allow me to further demonstrate the value of our organization in Southwest Louisiana.”

Astrid Emmanuelli

Social Media Manager

Discover Puerto Rico

“It is truly an honor to be chosen as a 2022 eTourism Summit Emerging Tourism Star and represent Discover Puerto Rico at such an important platform. Becoming an ambassador for the eTourism Community is an incredible step in my professional career and I am very enthusiastic to see the opportunities this will bring and the admirable professionals I will meet and learn from along the way. I will implement the learnings acquired from this experience to help Discover Puerto Rico keep shining and growing, while opening doors and mentoring other colleagues within the organization to develop their talents.”

Frank Filice

Director, Brand Marketing

Sonoma County Tourism

“I’m honored to be selected as a 2022 eTourism Summit Emerging Star. I’m thrilled to be leveraging my 17+ years of marketing experience to help my community and the greater tourism industry overall. Being able to see the direct impact of my teams efforts on our Sonoma County community fuels my drive to deliver best in class marketing experiences. Having worked in a variety of industries prior to tourism, I’m in awe of the collaboration and support the tourism industry provides each other and I try to reinforce that industry wide partnership every opportunity I get.”

Brianna McEnroe

Social Media & Digital Communications Manager

Discover Long Island

“I am overwhelmed with joy over the recognition of my achievements in the tourism industry. It is an honor to be a recipient of this award, especially after a period of time that caused industry-wide hardship and required me to be exceptionally innovative and valiant. I am very grateful to my team for supporting my efforts and am proud to represent the eTourism Community!”

Reshonda "Shon" Perryman

Creative Design Manager

Visit Jackson

“It is an honor to be selected amongst such great marketing professionals and amazing destinations and to be able to represent my city and state, utilizing my gifts and doing a job I absolutely love.”

Courtney Spiess

Executive Director

Visit Marietta GA

“For years now I have been encouraged to shine on. This makes being selected as a 2022 eTourism Summit Emerging Tourism Star such an honor for me! I love telling Marietta’s story while working alongside such a brilliant team and community. It is truly a privilege to represent Cobb County and the Metro Atlanta area. This recognition is humbling and I am inspired to keep shining a spotlight on the tourism industry.”

Rachel Thompson

Executive Director

Visit Greater St. Cloud

“I am extremely honored and humbled to have been nominated, let alone selected as a 2022 eTourism Summit Emerging Tourism Star. Promoting the beautiful Greater St. Cloud, Minnesota area and the tourism industry is a great privilege and passion and I look forward to going to work every day alongside the innovative and bold Visit Greater St. Cloud team. I love being in this industry, supporting our community, and the continuous opportunity to learn from talented tourism peers locally and nationally.”

Nominate your star so they can be recognized!

BENEFITS FOR EMERGING TOURISM STARS

Winners will be directly connected with a travel and tourism leader as a mentor
Winners receive a scholarship to attend eTourism Summit ($1495 value)
Winners are recognized at eTourism Summit where they share personal stories during a panel conversation moderated by presenting sponsor MMGY Global
Each winner is featured in a personal profile article in The Travel Vertical and in a conversation on The Travel Vertical Podcast
Opportunity to fill the eTS Emerging Tourism Star Advisory Board Seat (annual appointment)

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

Must be up-and-coming or new to the role (no age limits)
Must be employed by a DMO, CVB, or attraction.
Nominate yourself? Absolutely. Nominate more than one person? Sure!
2023 applications will open in late 2022