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.
Nominations close March 1, 2022.
Nominate a Star Today
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…
Nominate your star so they can be recognized!
- Winners will be directly connected with a travel and tourism leader as a mentor
- Winners receive a scholarship to attend eTourism Summit on June 6-8, 2022 in Orlando, FL ($1495 value)
- Winners are recognized at eTourism Summit 2022 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 the eTourism Summit magazine/directory
- Opportunity to fill the eTS Emerging Tourism Star Advisory Board Seat (annual appointment)
- 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!
- Submission form must be completed by March 1.
2021 Emerging Tourism Stars
Jake Brown
Content Manager
Visit South Bend, Indiana
“I’m thrilled to be included in the inaugural class of eTourism Summit Emerging Tourism Stars. It is a fantastic opportunity to connect with other tourism professionals, learn from leaders in the industry and represent Visit South Bend Mishawaka. I’m already looking forward to joining everyone in Las Vegas for this year’s eTourism Summit.”
Sabrina Dueñas
Digital Marketing Manager
Visit Oakland, California
“I’m honored to be selected as one of the 2021 eTourism Summit Emerging Tourism Stars! As Visit Oakland’s digital marketing manager, I consider myself quite fortunate to share Oakland’s story and represent my home to visitors and meeting planners. This recognition by my amazing team and the eTourism community is humbling and I’m energized to do more innovative and creative work in destination marketing. Thank you!”
Cody Gray
President & CEO
Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism
“I am extremely honored and humbled to have been selected as an inaugural 2021 eTourism Summit Emerging Tourism Star. It is truly a privilege to get to represent our resilient and talented industry and I am excited to accept this award while representing Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou at the eTourism Summit this September.”
Kyle Johnson
Digital Communications Specialist
Indiana Destination Development Corporation
“I’m truly humbled to be selected as an Emerging Tourism Star. I enjoy every day working in the tourism industry, and I love working on such a great team at Visit Indiana. We are supported by an amazing industry around our state, full of talented people. As we look to promote Indiana as a great place to visit, study, live and work, it is awesome to know that there are so many of us working together to promote the Hoosier State.”
Maria Skrzynski,
Marketing Coordinator and Office Manager
Destination Ann Arbor, Michigan
“What an honor to be nominated and selected as an emerging star in digital tourism! I am so excited and happy to have been recognized by my awesome team!”
Katie Utken
Marketing and Communications Manager
Hamilton County Tourism, Indiana
“It’s an honor to be named to the inaugural class of eTourism Summit’s Emerging Tourism Stars! I love being part of this industry, serving my local community and learning from my peers across the country and the world.”
Emily Zertuche
VP, Marketing and Communications
Visit Corpus Christi, Texas
“It is such an honor to be recognized as the 2021 eTourism Summit Emerging Tourism Star among talented individuals in the travel and tourism industry. I am proud to represent my city of Corpus Christi, Texas, our Gulf Coast Capital and am excited for what’s to come. Having served over six years in this industry has given me passion for telling our destination’s story, demonstrating the value of tourism and representing my Corpus Christi community.”