Linda Johnson, executive director of the Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB), was inducted to the Mississippi Tourism Hall of Fame by the Mississippi Development Authority Division of Tourism in March during the annual Mississippi Governor’s Conference on Tourism. “I was honored to be inducted into the tourism hall of fame,” stated Johnson. “I believe in our product and it is a privilege to work in this industry and promote Tupelo and Mississippi.”
Johnson recently announced her retirement. Her last day is June 30 and she will reside in Germantown, Tenn. after stepping down.
Janet Kersey assumes the role of Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau’s new President/CEO. Kersey, who currently holds the position of Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, will assume the new position at the end of May, upon the retirement of Sharon Mock. Mock, who has led the CVB for 22 years, announced her retirement in January.
Sherry Smith, executive director of the Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, was elected president of the Louisiana Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus. LACVB's mission is to raise the level of professionalism in the state convention and tourism industry, and use its influence to support tourism initiatives.
The Nantahala (Bryson City, NC) was just awarded host of the 2013 World Kayaking Freestyle Championships.
Budget Travel's "Coolest Small Town in America" has Brevard, N.C. in second place, trailing Ely, Minn. Cast your vote for the South at http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-srv/coolestsmalltowns/CST2010.html.