Sales & Marketing Manager for Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism, Ian Wallis, Named by Destinations International as a 30 Under 30 Recipient
Raceland, LA (April 3, 2024) – Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism, the destination marketing organization for Lafourche Parish, is thrilled to announce that Sales & Marketing Manager, Ian Wallis, has been named a 30 Under 30 recipient from Destinations International.
Each year Destinations International, a global organization representing over 6,500 convention and visitors bureaus (CVB’s) across the world, selects 30 tourism professionals under the age of 30 to gain valuable industry networking opportunities and increased thought leadership throughout the year. This year’s honorees hail from 30 unique destinations across four countries and were selected from a competitive pool of 96 applicants. To learn more about each honoree, visit the link HERE.
A graduate from Johnson & Wales University with his B.S. in Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality Management and his M.B.A. with a Hospitality concentration, Ian Wallis moved from the Northeast to Lafourche Parish in April 2021 to assume his current role as Sales & Marketing Manager for Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism. He quickly immersed himself in the unique culture of the bayou region and can often be found supporting local events, restaurants, and visitor attractions.
“It is an honor to be selected as a recipient of the prestigious 30 Under 30 Program from Destinations International,” said Wallis. “I am very appreciative of the recognition and look forward to the networking and professional development opportunities this program offers.”
Destinations International is committed to investing and preparing the leaders of tomorrow and developing future industry leaders that represent a diverse set of backgrounds and perspectives.
“The 30 Under 30 program remains critical to our organization’s vision and mission,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “As our industry moves toward recovery, we are especially excited to announce these young professionals as they are the future of the travel and tourism industry.”
“The Destinations International Foundation believes it is important to empower future leaders,” said Ellie Westman Chin, CDME, president and CEO of Destination Madison and chair of the Destinations International Foundation. “We are thrilled to see the 30 Under 30 Program enter its 14th year, and we are thankful for the foundation investors who make programs like these possible for our industry through their contributions. We look forward to engaging with this group of emerging leaders through professional development, educational opportunities and networking with industry peers and leaders throughout the year and in the years to come.”
“We are pleased to honor this year’s 30 Under 30 class of bright and talented young leaders,” said Mike Gamble, President and CEO of SearchWide Global. “Year after year, I am consistently impressed by the caliber of individuals we welcome into this program, representing destinations worldwide. We remain committed to helping our young leaders shape the future of our industry.”
The 2024 30 Under 30 Class Includes:
Alexandria Eady, Content Manager, Richmond Region Tourism
America Segura, Public Relations Manager, Visit Corpus Christi
Andrew Lawrence, Assistant Director, Arlington Sports Commission, Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau
Brittany Jones, Marketing Project Manager, Discover Durham
Caitlin Neal, Marketing Director, Gilmer Chamber/Pick Ellijay
Catherine Streater, Senior Coordinator, Brand USA
Cristina Fernandes, Leisure Sales Coordinator, Discover Puerto Rico
Fallon Tullier, Research and Technology Manager, Visit Baton Rouge
Hailey Post, Destination Data Manager, Visit Raleigh
Ian Wallis, Sales & Marketing Manager, Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Tourism
Jessica VanDeMar, Marketing Manager, Visit Finger Lakes
Kasmara Freiderich, National Sales Manager, Experience Rochester, MN
Katie Clarke, People and Culture Coordinator, Destination Vancouver
Lee Prutsman, Senior Marketing Manager, Visit KC
Luke Alexopoulos, Senior Public Relations Manager, Visit Eau Claire
Macy Dolton, Content Marketing Specialist, Destination DC
Maggie Carter, Creative Marketing Manager, Visit Baltimore
Martin Garneau, Senior Manager, Systems Architecture and Application Development, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
Mary Coryell, Manager, Partner Relations, Discover Lehigh Valley
Megan Myers, Digital Media Director, Hocking Hills Tourism Association
Megane Simone, Bid & Communication Manager, Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation
Millie Stewart, Director of Sales, Visit Ogden
Nathaniel Sweetman, Sports Marketing Coordinator, Visit Sarasota County
Orla Moule, Business Events Assistants, Fáilte Ireland
Samantha Green Ewald, Destination Services Manager, Visit Charlotte/Charlotte Regional Visitor's Authority
Sheridan Powell, Communications Specialist, Visit Colorado Springs
Sydney Macapagal, Digital Content Strategist, Visit Galveston
Sydney O'Connell, Marketing Manager, Visit Fort Worth
Wayne Stewart, Director of Marketing & Communications, Visit Casper
Wesley Sosa, Graphic Designer and Brand Manager, Visit Stockton
Now in its 14th year, the 30 Under 30 program is supported by founding program partner, SearchWide Global and sponsored by Fired Up! Culture and IMEX. For more information on the 30 Under 30 Program and the 2024 30 Under 30 class, please visit destinationsinternational.org/general-information/30-under-30.
