UNICOMM - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Northeast Sales Manager, USVI
Job Titles:
- CEO, Travelwise International
The presentation is anchored on the Philippines' More Fun Awaits campaign that aims to strengthen the Philippines' positioning as a top-of-mind tourist destination in the global market once international leisure travel to the country resumes. The presentation will showcase the preparations that the Philippine Department of Tourism has been carrying out while tourism has been put on hold because of the pandemic. The campaign is focused on communicating exciting destinations to visit, starting with those that have been ready to welcome domestic tourists. It also includes new tourism products and circuits. Aside from the sun and beach tourist destinations that the country is well-known for, the campaign puts a spotlight on new and enhanced bike tours, dive circuits, farm, and food tourism circuits, hiking and trekking, and outdoor museums through historical and cultural tours that cater to tourists' new normal preference for outdoor activities and well-ventilated areas.
Job Titles:
- Travel Writer
- Actor, Director, Award - Winning Travel Writer
- Award Winning Travel Writer, Actor and Director
- Emmy Award Winning Investigative Reporter, CBS News Travel Editor
Join Andrew to hear about his personal journey and how travel and self-reflection changed his life. Aside from his successful acting and directing careers, he is now a successful writer and editor at large for National Geographic Traveler. He'll discuss fear of the unknown, taking the time to enjoy the precious moments in life, pushing yourself to try new things, and looking at the world with new eyes.
Job Titles:
- World Travel Expert, Writer / TV Host AngelsTravelLounge.Com
The World and travel have dramatically changed. You can still make your next trip, the next best trip of your life and "Travel Like a Pro"! Angel Castellanos, The Travel Ambassador, delivers his updated popular and energetic talk on packing tips & savvy travel skills drawing from his experience as a full-time professional traveler - even during the pandemic. This highly informative talk is updated from Angel's extensive travels and "packed" with the most up to date savvy travel tips and inspirational stories from all over the world to help travelers travel smarter, better and cheaper. Angel will deliver the best travel tips on changes in tourism, health safety, de-stressing the airport experience, saving money, sightseeing hacks, traveling with technology and of course updated packing tips for today's world! No matter your level of experience, you are bound to come away with practical, current travel tips. The packing demonstration included in this talk is one you do not want to miss. Packing in a carry on? After this presentation, packing in any bag will not be a problem! Join us for this insightful and dynamic presentation. Travel smart, well and often! AngelsTravelLounge.com
Technology has become even more important for travel these days. There is no doubt that our smartphones can be the most important travel tool in today's world. Learn about the best travel technology, travel apps and how-to-use your device abroad from full time traveler Angel Castellanos. This highly informative talk is updated every year and "packed" with the most up to date savvy travel tips to help you maximize your tech to travel smarter. Angel Castellanos, The Travel Ambassador, is a travel tech expert with tips to make traveling with your tech easy. Learn to unlock the potential of your device and travel easier and smarter without getting lost in your phone. This informative and popular presentation prepares travelers so they can confidently use their mobile devices as a tool to travel better. Angel will cover the best travel apps to enhance your travels and allow you to communicate effectively without breaking the bank. No matter how tech savvy you are, you will definitely come away with great advice and helpful apps to travel smarter and better with your technology. Join us for this insightful and dynamic presentation. Travel smart, often and well! www.AngelsTravelLounge.com
Angel Castellanos, (www.AngelsTravelLounge.com) is a passionate world traveler, travel writer, influencer, multi-media personality and nationally recognized speaker dedicated to helping people travel smart, well and often. Traveling to over 85 countries on 5 continents (and counting), Angel travels 12-14 weeks internationally each year and draws on his experience and frequent travels to teach "Smart Travel" and equip travelers with the skills they need to make travel easy and enjoyable. He bridges the gap between the practical, common sense advice he's learned by traveling the world and the new savvy tips and experiences that have helped his generation revolutionize travel. Angel has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Fox News, Univision, Frommers Radio, USA Today & Travel & Adventure Show as "America's Newest Travel Expert".
Since you've last seen Angel, he has visited The Philippines, Colombia, Honduras, Singapore, Laos, UK, France, Ireland, Italy, Bosnia, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt.
His favorite travel memories include camel trekking in the Sahara, traveling overland by train from Beijing to London, Horse trekking in Mongolia, Hot Air Ballooning in Laos and sailing down the Nile River.
When not in Italy or Paris, Angel is home in Pasadena, California where he is a proud volunteer with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association.
Job Titles:
- Founder and CEO, Wanderful
- Moderator
Thinking of starting a blog or hoping to build a career as a content creator? There's so much to love about sharing your journey with a devoted audience and getting to travel for free is definitely a high perk on the list! But don't pack your backpack just yet - there's a lot to do to build up your creator career first, and you don't want to miss any of it.
In this workshop, led by blogger-turned entrepreneur Beth Santos who's the founder of leading travel creator community Wanderful and the annual WITS Travel Creator + Brand Summit, you'll learn some of the key time and energy-saving steps to starting your career as a travel creator. You'll get a kickstart in identifying your purpose and pitch, tips to zeroing in on your channels, and a look at the many ways to make money and build a lasting business. Plus, you'll leave with a worksheet and loads of freebies to get your brain churning!
Job Titles:
- Travel Writer & NYC Tour Guide, IMayRoam.Com
There's a reason that the welcome sign on the Brooklyn side of the Carey Tunnel boasts, Brooklyn: Name It…We Got It! NYC-based tour guide and travel writer, Brian Cicioni, will be sharing ten years' worth of suggestions from exploring Brooklyn's food scene. Get ready for some perspective-shifting tips and mouth-watering shots from some of his favorite restaurants in NYC's most populous borough!
Job Titles:
- Founder and CEO of the Points Guy
- Founder and CEO of the Points Guy ( TPG )
Brian Kelly is the founder and CEO of The Points Guy (TPG), the leading voice in loyalty programs, points, miles, credit cards and travel. He has grown TPG to be a powerhouse travel and lifestyle media platform that reaches over 10 million unique monthly visitors around the world.
Kelly has found a unique way to reach his audience and inspire millions to live their best lives through his supercharged personality, deep industry knowledge and extensive worldwide travel. Through his content and creativity, annual TPG Awards, reader events, video series and social media, Kelly has introduced new platforms in an effort to bring the latest and greatest to millions of TPG followers and travel consumers. He has been recognized with awards and accolades, including AdWeek's "Young Influentials" list in 2019 and Forbes' #1 travel influencer. His long-standing knowledge and expertise has garnered the trust of the nation's top morning shows, with appearances on TODAY Show, CBS This Morning, Good Morning America and Kelly & Ryan, among others.
Kelly's passion for travel is shared by a belief in using travel as a global force for good, and he currently serves as a Committee Member for Rainbow Railroad, Global Ambassador for PeaceJam, Co-Chair of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Leadership Council, Goalkeeper for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and member of PTTOW.
Job Titles:
- Business Development Manager, Visit Lauderdale
Job Titles:
- Business Development Manager, Visit Lauderdale
Job Titles:
- Travel Writer, Points and Miles Expert, Just Plane Points
Carissa is an avid traveler and an expert in the realm of rewards travel. She left the Air Force and a career as an Arabic translator behind in 2016 to pursue writing full-time.
For those who want to experience the real Italy, join me as I share my love for Italy, with the heart and soul of the culture and its people. Your Own Italy focuses on" living like a local" from staying in small boutique hotels, apartments in historic centers and villas in Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. You will enjoy privately guided tours that include the main historical sites, archeological marvels, famous art museums, but also off-the-beaten path wine tastings and hands-on cooking classes in family-owned villas, walking city food tours, and cultural experiences like village festivals throughout Italy.
Job Titles:
- Director of Sales, Southeastern US, Atlas Ocean Voyages
Job Titles:
- Director, Northeast Region, Israel Ministry of Tourism
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of Registration and Data Services
- Executive Director, Data Services & Registration
Job Titles:
- National Account Manager, Celebrity Cruises
Join a panel of cruise line experts from Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages and Ama Waterways to learn more about cruising, top destinations and new ships!
Join like-minded travel professionals in your area for a valuable networking and educational event experience on day one of the Dallas Travel & Adventure Show! This is your opportunity to interact with leading global destinations and suppliers through a dynamic itinerary of special interest sessions and show floor activities created to maximize your time at the event.
Job Titles:
- Bahamas Tourist Office, Sales & Marketing Representative, ( Southwest, Midwest, Northwest USA )
Job Titles:
- Sales Manager, Virgin Voyages
Job Titles:
- TV Host & Producer, Travels With Darley
- Writer, and Producer
Description: Emmy Award-nominated television host, writer, and producer Darley Newman shares insider's tips and recommendations on where to travel in 2022-places that combine culture, cuisine, history, and a healthy dose of wellness and nature. She covers the changes and trends in travel today, including what destinations are doing to welcome visitors amid the continuing pandemic, and what travelers can do to best enjoy their adventures.
Mixing popular locations with hidden gems, Newman shares new ideas for where to go next and how. From Asia to Europe, the USA and Mexico, discover a diverse cross-section of travel opportunities. She'll share behind the scenes photos and videos to fuel your wanderlust.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice - President of Sales, Alaska Land & Sea Adventures
- Senior VP, Tourism Sales, Alaska Land & Sea Adventures
David Kasser - David is a lifelong Alaskan, having spent his youth fishing in the coastal town of Seward and hiking on the hillside of Anchorage. There is no one who knows more about Anchorage and Alaska than David. He loves to give travelers the inside track on what to see and do according to their specific interests. After 30 years in Alaska tourism, David has a wealth of product knowledge you are sure to find valuable, delivered in a fun fast paced format.
Local experts from Anchorage, Alaska share tips on what makes Anchorage a great year-round travel destination! Learn about Aurora viewing, winter adventure tours, and new summer adventure as well! Make this year… ALASKA!
Debra Lee was appointed Travel Industry Sales Director at the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau in April 2019. She has responsibility for the Southeastern, Southwestern and Western USA, the Caribbean, Brazil, and Cruise (niche).
Debra is a graduate of the University of Miami with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations and a Minor in Marketing. She has over thirty (30) years of experience in the travel industry and started her career as an American Airlines Customer Service Representative at the Miami International Airport in 1990. After spending eleven years with American Airlines in various departments; Debra went onto become Regional Sales Manager for the Caribbean at global distribution and travel technology provider, Travelport. During her 15-year tenure at Travelport, Debra also served as Marketing Support Manager for Latin America and was the Steering Committee Coordinator for Travelport's Latin America Expansion Project. In 2016, Debra assumed the role of Business Development Manager with American Airlines Vacations, where she remained until October 2017. Prior to joining the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau in April 2019, Debra worked as the Business Development Manager for the Southwestern USA at the Jamaica Tourist Board.
In her downtime, Debra enjoys travelling, especially to her homeland of Jamaica and spending time with her family. She is an avid sports fan who always roots for her beloved Miami Hurricanes and Team Jamaica!
Job Titles:
- CEO, Go Touch Down Travel & Tours
Job Titles:
- Lifestyle Editor, Shondaland
Derrik J. Lang is an award-winning storyteller who has created content about travel and culture for more than 15 years. He currently serves as the lifestyle editor at Shondaland.com, where he oversees coverage of travel, food, style, design, and everything else that sparks joy in readers' lives. Previously, Lang was the senior editor at American Airlines' American Way magazine and covered the entertainment industry at The Associated Press. His work has been published by the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, Entertainment Weekly, Travel + Leisure, Palm Springs Life, Washington Post, Thrillist, and Time Out.
Job Titles:
- Consul and Director, Western Region, U.S., Israel Ministry of Tourism
Join us for a presentation, on these beautiful islands located in the middle of the Atlantic. We will share place to go, the gastronomy of the destination, as well as the various adventure you can go on in these Portuguese Islands. Only five hours away from New York City, you will be amazed at what the Azores has to offer.
Job Titles:
- Emmy Award Winning Investigative Reporter, CBS News Travel Editor
- Reporter and Producer and CBS News Travel Editor
A multiple Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter and producer, Peter Greenberg is America's most recognized, honored and respected frontline travel news journalist. He is the Travel Editor for CBS News, appearing on CBS This Morning, the CBS Evening News and CBS Sunday Morning. His long-running nationally syndicated CBS News radio show, Eye on Travel, is broadcast each week from a different location around the world.
The consummate insider on reporting the travel business as news, Greenberg also hosts The Travel Detective, airing on Public Television across the United States. This weekly television newsmagazine offers cutting-edge travel information and insider tips travelers need to know before they ever leave home. It also showcases hidden gem destinations across the country, and around the world.
Greenberg produces and co-hosts an ongoing series of acclaimed global television specials, The Royal Tour, featuring personal, one-on-one journeys through countries with their heads of state. Along with such leaders as the King of Jordan, Prime Ministers of New Zealand and Israel, and Presidents of Mexico and Peru, Greenberg's latest special features the Prime Minister of Poland.
Job Titles:
- Director of Economic Studies, Dominican Republic Tourism
- Director, Director of Economic Studies, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism
Dominican Republic is the second largest and most diverse Caribbean country. Known for our warm and hospitable people, Dominican Republic is a destination like no other, featuring astounding nature, intriguing history, and rich culture.
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, our lush tropical island paradise boasts nearly 1,000 miles (1,609 km) of coastline, 250 miles (402 km) of the world's top beaches, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation, and entertainment options. Here you can dance to the pulse pounding thrill of the merengue, renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican gastronomy or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers, and beaches.
Job Titles:
- Director, Dominican Republic Tourism Board
Job Titles:
- New York Director, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism
Job Titles:
- Global Relationships Manager, Chimu Adventures
Chimu Adventures is a leading specialist in Antarctic Travel, offering the largest range of expedition vessels to the White continent. Antarctica is a winter wonderland, filled with mesmerizing landscapes and packed with more wildlife than anywhere else on the planet. Travelling to Antarctica is now easier and more affordable than ever. Today, Chimu will be showcasing how to travel to Antarctica, What you will see and do, when to go, which ships are best, the different voyage types and a day in the life.
Job Titles:
- Luxury Travel Advisor, Lilacs & Chai
Job Titles:
- Online Marketing Specialist, Japanese Food Culture Association
Jessica Long 16-Time U.S. Paralympic Gold Medalist, Author, & Speaker Jessica's life has been nothing short of amazing. Born to a teenage mother in the Siberia cold, burdened by congenital defects in her legs requiring double amputation, and placed for adoption at 13 months old, Jessica was able to persevere and become a 23x Paralympic medalist, world champion and record holder. With an unrelenting determination and belief in herself, Jessica has been able to reach the pinnacle of her sport and maintain her position amongst the best in the world for over a decade. Now as one of America's most decorated champions and winningest female athletes in US history, her work focuses on succeeding in the water and inspiring others outside the pool.
Job Titles:
- Director, Israel Ministry of Tourism, Midwest Region
Use your points and miles towards incredible value. With a combination of humor and analysis, Greg and Nick will bring to the stage the formula that makes their Frequent Miler on the Air podcast so popular.
Job Titles:
- Travel Writer, Photographer, and Experience Curator, Listen, Journey, Savor
Whether you're looking to explore ancient sights and museums or eat your way across the Italian countryside in a Ferrari, Julian will share how he's learned to fully maximize what Private Tours have to offer. Your trip really is just that, "your trip." Do the things you've always dreamed of doing, have once in a lifetime experiences, and check off that Bucket List. Today's Private Tours are more attainable and less expensive than ever before, so skip the lines and fully experience all that your destination has to offer. If you can dream it, a Private Tour will make it happen.
"Listen, Journey, Savor with Julian Douglas"… is exactly what he asks of his family, friends and especially his readers to do with him.
As an experienced traveler, Julian has traversed the globe since he was a child. From treasured moments with his flight attendant mother growing up, to his years in the music industry, to just vacationing with his wife Nicole for pleasure. It has all inspired Julian to write about his passions for music, food and especially his love of travel.
Job Titles:
- Tourism Sales Associate, Alaska Land & Sea Adventures
Job Titles:
- Adventure Travel Expert & TV Host
Job Titles:
- Advisory Panel Member, the Points Guy
Kevin Song has been in the travel game ever since the day he turned 18 and got his first credit card of his own 10 years ago. He loves traveling the world, food, and using points for outsized value. Within a certain segment of the travel community, there's a term known as "Kevinning", which refers to booking a flight while at, or on the way to, the airport. He currently holds airline status with American Airlines, British Airways , Japan Airlines , and United. On the hotel side, he holds top tier status with Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, and IHG. He has written for The Points Guy where he currently serves on the Advisory Board, and has presented at a number of conferences, including FTU and Chicago Seminars. By day, he's a cyber security leader, but by night he pores over fare rules and award charts. More recently, he's also become a pilot and loves soaring over beautiful coastlines and flying to fun places.
Job Titles:
- Product Manager, Metrojourneys
Now, more than ever, the Galápagos Islands is the ideal destination. Isolated but accessible, but above all safe and extraordinary. When is the best month to travel? Is Galapagos a safe Family Destination? What should you know before booking a life changing expedition to Galapagos?
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Tahiti Tourisme North America
The Islands of Tahiti are open to travel and more accessible than ever. If this has been a bucket list destination for you then the time has never been better to plan your dream trip to this untouched paradise. We can help you get started with this informative presentation for the first-time traveler or returning voyager looking to explore more of the 118 islands that make up The Islands of Tahiti. Your trip of a lifetime is beckoning you and it begins here.
Author, Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography; World Travel: An Irreverent Guide (co-authored with Anthony Bourdain); and Appetites: A Cookbook (co-authored with Anthony Bourdain) lauriewoolever.com
Job Titles:
- Director of Sales, the Florida Keys & Key West
Take a journey with us through the Florida Keys as we highlight the five unique regions here: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, the Lower Keys (also referred to here as "the natural keys") and finally, the world-famous Key West.
Matthew Klint is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries over the last decade. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world.
Studying international relations, American government, and later obtaining a law degree, Matthew has a plethora of knowledge outside the travel industry that leads to a unique writing perspective. He has served in the United States Air Force, on Capitol Hill, and in the White House.
His Live and Let's Fly blog shares the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs and promotions, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.
He also founded awardexpert.com, a highly-personalized consulting service that aids clients in the effective use of their credit card points and frequent flyer miles.
Job Titles:
- Director of PR, Western Region, U.S., Israel Ministry of Tourism
Job Titles:
- Senior Travel Editor, the Points Guy
From credit card perks to elite status benefits, here's how travelers can maximize their travel experiences.
Job Titles:
- Leisure Sales & Marketing GM for the Bahamas
Mikala Moss is the Leisure Sales & Marketing GM for The Bahamas, based in Houston, TX, with a territory of responsibility covering the Southwest, Midwest, and Northwest USA. She's an island girl at heart, but a big city girl by choice, and is always excited to share an authentically Bahamian experience to suit every type of traveler.
Job Titles:
- Subdirector of the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism Office in NY
Job Titles:
- Deputy Director of Taiwan Tourism Bureau 's L.a. Office and Has Been With the Bureau
Job Titles:
- Sales Manager, NY, NJ & CT, Aruba Tourism Authority
Come and learn about the One Happy Island Aruba, Your Happy Place. If you have never been to Aruba, you will learn why we welcome all to this luxury island that is seventy square miles of fun. If you have vacationed in Aruba, you will learn some new hidden gems and activities waiting to be discovered. Aruba has something for everyone: singles, couples & families of all ages. Aruba is the perfect, ‘foodie paradise'. Perfect weather year-round for destination weddings, honeymoons and activities on land and sea.
Job Titles:
- Senior Author, the Frequent Miler
Panelists Max Hartshorne, Editor at GoNOMAD.com, Paul Shoul, Travel Photographer will provide tips and advice about the travel publishing market, both online and print. Whether new to travel, writing, or already a blogger, they'll give tips about getting published and shooting better photos to enhance your stories.
Job Titles:
- Author, "1, 000 Places to See before You Die"
- Author, "1, 000 Places to See before You Die" and "1, 000 Places to See in the United States and Canada before You Die"
- Bestselling Author of 1, 000 Places to See before You Die and 1, 000 Places to See in the USA & Canada before You Die
Job Titles:
- Industry Engagement Manger, USA, Tourism Ireland
Job Titles:
- President, Natural Migrations Inc
Paul Swart began his career in the tourism industry as a junior guide in the remote Linyanti region of northern Botswana under the tutelage of renowned safari guide and conservationist Map Ives. He steadily worked his way up the ranks at some of the best game reserves in Southern Africa. Prior to forming Natural Migrations in 2006 in the USA, Paul was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Ker and Downey USA. He also served as General Manager of Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, which is consistently voted one of the top game reserves in South Africa. In addition, Paul worked for Wilderness Safaris, including at the renowned Mombo Camp in Botswana's Okavango Delta as a Professional Guide and Lodge Manager. Paul was a member of the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) and sat on the committee that was involved in establishing the code of conduct and standards for professional guiding in South Africa today. He qualified as a FGASA Level Three and SKS Dangerous Game Qualified Safari Guide, the highest achievable ranking. In the past he served for six years as an Executive Board Member of APTA (Association for Promotion of Tourism to Africa) in the USA. Paul is a current member and ex chairman of the Safari Professionals of the Americas and was a trustee on the Board of Rhino Conservation Botswana, a nonprofit organization. When Paul is not in his office, he enjoys horse riding and currently competes in three-day eventing. He visits Africa several times a year to maintain his knowledge and the valuable relationships he has nurtured over the years.
Job Titles:
- Co - President of Frommer Media
- Editorial Director of the Frommer 's Guides and Publisher of Frommers.Com
- Editorial Director of the Frommer Guides and Publisher of Frommers.Com
The world is as exciting as ever, but major destinations have changed in many ways over the course of the pandemic. Frommer will discuss how to plan the most appealing vacations for this unusual moment, covering everything from insurance issues to airfares and accommodations, from cultural shifts to modes of travel (tours, cruises, experiential attractions and more). And with pricing all over the map right now, she'll also help you find the best values, whether you're vacationing in the lap of luxury, roughing it, or doing something in between.
Pauline Frommer is co-President of Frommer Media, LLC, with her father, travel legend Arthur Frommer. Together, they publish America's most popular series of travel guidebooks, the Frommer guides, as well as Frommers.com, a website that welcomes more than 3 million unique users per month. She is also a nationally syndicated radio talk show host, and she pens an internationally syndicated newspaper column on travel for King Features. You may recognize her face as Pauline created weekly travel segments for CNN's Headline News for 3 years. She's also appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, NPR's Marketplace and Talk of the Nation, CNN, FOX, MSNBC and every local news station you can name. She was the founding editor of Frommers.com and edited MSNBC.com's travel section for two years. Pauline is the proud mother of two well-traveled daughters and wife to Columbia University professor Mahlon Stewart.
Job Titles:
- National Sales Director, JTB USA
Job Titles:
- Producer
- Reporter
- Emmy Award - Winning Investigative Reporter and Producer and CBS News Travel Editor
Job Titles:
- Director of the Tourism Business Enhancement Program, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau 's Multicultural Tourism & Development Department
Petra Brennan is the Director of the Tourism Business Enhancement Program for the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau's (GMCVB) Multicultural Tourism & Development Department. At the GMCVB, she manages this program working with small businesses and stakeholders in tandem with hospitality industry suppliers and partners to support tourism opportunities and small business capacity. The Tourism Business Enhancement Program (TBE) advocates, supports, and strengthens multicultural communities' economic sustainability and access to heritage-related businesses within the Greater Miami & Miami Beaches. Through these program efforts Miami's multicultural communities, attractions and events are heightened creating a viable opportunity for local businesses and an enhanced experience for visitors. Petra also leads the GMCVB Multicultural Tourism & Development art program, Art of Black Miami. This marketing initiative highlights the diversity of the artistic and cultural landscape found in Miami's heritage neighborhoods and communities year-round throughout Greater Miami and Miami Beaches.
Phil Hannes is well known in the California travel industry and a recognized leader in North and South American market development. As Senior Director of Tourism Development, he leads the San Diego Tourism Authority's marketing efforts to increase the reach and market share as well as brand awareness in key international markets around the globe for the San Diego region.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Operations from SITA World Tours
- Manager of Operatoions, SITA World Tours
Ms. Cathy Hung, the deputy director of Taiwan Tourism Bureau's L.A. Office and has been with the Bureau for over a decade. She is based in Los Angeles and handles Taiwan Tourism Bureau's business development and marketing in the U.S. market.
Ralf Korbner, Manager of Operations from SITA World Tours, with SITA World Tours now since 2006 responsible for agencies as West Coast BDM but recently also with operational management functions. SITA World Tours is a member of USTOA servicing the US and Canada since 1933.
Job Titles:
- Found & CEO ( Chief Experience Officer ), PhotoEnrichment Adventures
Everyone takes pictures, but few intentionally make travel photography that everyone wants to see, and this is what separates the "point-and-shooters" from the creators. In this session, I'll also show you how to go beyond the postcard shots everyone else is taking and how to create interesting, storytelling images your friends and family will be begging you to see, not the other way around.
Job Titles:
- Director, Dominican Republic Tourism
Job Titles:
- Assistant, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism
Job Titles:
- Travel Journalist, Broadcaster
Former Washington Post investigative reporter and columnist, Maxa has worked for 17 years as a contributing editor with National Geographic Traveler magazine; co-created and hosted the former public radio show, "The Savvy Traveler;" and has produced and hosted 98, half-hour episodes for public television featuring the world's great destinations, "Rudy Maxa's World." Those shows have garnered numerous awards including several Emmys. As a consumer travel writer, he's written numerous newspapers and magazines around the world and served as a travel columnist for ABC.com and MSNBC.com.
Job Titles:
- Economical Travel Expert, Break the Travel Barrier
Known for wowing TV and radio audiences with untold budget travel tips, Ultra-Economical Travel Expert Russell Hannon from breakthetravelbarrier.com offers 99 ways to quickly and easily find the best and least expensive travel options for you. No matter what your travel type is, or where you want to go, you will leave with dozens of practical tips and tricks you can put to work right away to save.
Job Titles:
- CEO of Sandra Venite Consulting, Representing the Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board
Senitra Horbrook, Editor at The Points Guy, is a frequent solo traveler who first began using miles and points in 2012 to travel on a shoestring budget. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism and is a successful writer and editor, with experience working at several publications.
Job Titles:
- Business Development Manager, Ama Waterways
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Poseidon Expeditions USA
There are more choices than ever for the intrepid traveler interested in exploring the polar regions - Antarctica, the Arctic and even the North Pole! With these choices come many questions: what exactly are "the polar regions" and where can we go and what will we do and see on arrival? What kind (and size) of ship do I want to be on? Will the ships and our activities be environmentally friendly? What does the traveler need to know about climate issues, and how these might - or might not - affect tourism operations in the polar regions? Steve will do his best to answer these and many other questions you might have about visiting Antarctica or the Arctic!
A 30-year veteran of the expedition cruise industry, Steve has actively been involved in polar expedition cruising since 1997. This includes five years as Executive Director of IAATO, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. In that capacity, he represented the Antarctica tourism industry, helping to ensure best practices and environmental stewardship by all Antarctic tour operators. A resident of Providence, Rhode Island since 2005, Steve currently manages the North American office of Poseidon Expeditions, which he opened in 2014.</h5
Job Titles:
- Senior Travel Industry Sales Manager, La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA West
Job Titles:
- Tourism Sales Manager, Alaska Land & Sea Adventures
- Tourism Sales Manager, Visit Anchorage
- Tourism Sales Manager, Visit Anchorage / Alaska Land & Sea Adventures
As a lifelong Alaskan, Tia Froehle knows her home like the back of her hand. Her love for the outdoors and adventure has allowed her to explore this amazing state of Alaska and wants you to experience it too! From fishing for the next big one, exploring our many hiking trails in the Chugach Mountains, playing golfing under the midnight sun, enjoying a cold local craft beer to downhill skiing and fat tire biking in the winter, Tia can help make your dream Alaska adventure a reality!
Job Titles:
- Partner, Industry Relations, Index Select
Job Titles:
- Senior Travel Reporter, the Points Guy
While the pandemic has been disrupting in many ways, many hotels and airlines made it a lot easier for even beginners to earn top-tier elite status. This session will explore how even the most beginner points and miles hobbyists can earn - and keep - elite status during the pandemic.
Job Titles:
- National Account Manager, Royal Caribbean International
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- Founder & Executive Director, RISE Travel Institute
Want to travel and do right by the planet? Led by National Geographic authors and the founders of HoneyTrek, with travel experts from Drink Tea & Travel, The Travel Ambassador, and RISE Travel Institute, this panel discussion will inform your trip planning and decision-making to lower your carbon footprint, support local communities, and have a positive impact wherever you go. You will learn the best websites, apps, booking platforms, packing essentials, and a myriad of ways to make your travels more sustainable-and rewarding!
Experience Traveler (100 Countries), Author of Plan Your Escape® and TripAdvisor Top 25 Travel Blogger
Job Titles:
- Regional Vice President, Sales ( USA ), MSC Cruises ( USA ) Inc.
Yuto Horigome Skateboarding Gold Medalist of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, Professional Skateboarder At 22 years old, Yuto Horigome has become a global icon in the skateboarding world. Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Yuto was introduced to skateboarding at the age of six from his father and immediately fell in love. In his early teens, he was the top skateboarder in Japan and traveled around the world to compete in top contests. Yuto ultimately decided to move to Los Angeles, California at 18 years-old after graduating high school to focus on skating. Since moving to the US, he has been tearing up the skate scene winning three consecutive SLS contests from 2018-2019 (became the first Japanese skater to win the SLS in London 2018) and capturing the gold medal at the X Games Minneapolis 2019 and at the 2021 Street World Championship in Italy. Yuto also became the first person ever to win the gold medal in skateboarding at the Olympics, doing so in his home city at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics in the inaugural Olympic men's street event.