Destinations International Appoints 2026-2027 Global Leadership Team to Drive Tourism Innovation

Destinations International has appointed a new slate of executive leaders for the 2026–2027 term, signaling a strategic pivot toward digital transformation and sustainable destination management. These appointments, finalized during the Annual Convention in Portland, Oregon, place the organization’s governance in the hands of seasoned executives from both the public and private sectors.

The new leadership structure is designed to address the volatile nature of modern travel, where visitor expectations are shifting rapidly and the pressure for responsible tourism is at an all-time high. By integrating leaders from diverse destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and global tech platforms, the association aims to bridge the gap between traditional tourism advocacy and modern data-driven execution.

New Executive Leadership for 2026–2027

Kyle Edmiston, the President and CEO of Visit Lake Charles, has stepped into the role of Association Chair. Edmiston succeeds Leslie Bruce, who previously led the organization while serving as President and CEO of the Banff & Lake Louise Tourism Bureau.

Edmiston's mandate focuses on three primary pillars:

Economic Strengthening: Utilizing tourism to bolster local economies.
Community Engagement: Improving the relationship between visitors and residents.
Sustainable Growth: Creating long-term opportunities that do not compromise environmental or social integrity.

Simultaneously, the Destinations International Foundation has named Steven Paganelli as its new Chair. Paganelli, the Senior Director of Americas Sales at Tripadvisor, replaces Martha J. Sheridan. His appointment is a strategic move to align the foundation's research and workforce development goals with the current technological trajectory of the travel industry.

Strategic Board Composition and Governance

The Association Board of Directors is composed of a wide array of executives from North American tourism agencies and consulting firms. This diversity ensures that the association's policy recommendations are grounded in a variety of market scales, from boutique regional destinations to major metropolitan hubs.

Association Executive Officers:

Chair: Kyle Edmiston
Chair-Elect: Rickey Thigpen
Immediate Past Chair: Leslie Bruce
Secretary: Domenic Bravo
Treasurer: Beth Erickson

The board includes representatives from several key entities, including Visit Phoenix, Visit Baltimore, Visit Milwaukee, Visit Pasadena, Visit Loudoun, Visit Quad Cities, Visit Bentonville, Destinations Texas, and the Wyoming Office of Tourism, as well as industry partners Hunden Partners and Longwoods International.

Expanding the Foundation's Research Capability

The Destinations International Foundation serves as the intellectual engine of the organization, focusing on the "how" of destination management. The new Board of Trustees brings specialized expertise in community engagement and industry development to ensure the workforce is prepared for the challenges of 2026 and beyond.

Foundation Executive Officers:

Chair: Steven Paganelli
Chair-Elect: Adam Burke
Immediate Past Chair: Martha J. Sheridan
Secretary and Treasurer: Katherine O’Donnell
At-Large Officer: Todd O’Leary

The newly appointed trustees include Victoria Clarke, Todd O’Leary, Sarah Leonard, Mohamed Amine Gabbouj, John Urdi, and Jessica Ireland.

Impact on Global Tourism Standards

The transition of leadership at this level is rarely just administrative; it typically dictates the direction of industry standards and advocacy. With the inclusion of a Tripadvisor executive in the Foundation's leadership, there is a clear indication that data-driven consumer behavior and digital visibility will play a central role in future destination strategies.

President and CEO Don Welsh emphasized that as destinations compete more aggressively for international events and investment, the need for practical, research-backed resources becomes critical. The 2026–2027 team is tasked with providing these tools to help DMOs remain competitive while managing the risks of over-tourism and environmental degradation.

Summary of Leadership Appointments

Role	2026-2027 Appointee	Organization/Affiliation
Association Chair	Kyle Edmiston	Visit Lake Charles
Foundation Chair	Steven Paganelli	Tripadvisor
Association Chair-Elect	Rickey Thigpen	Destination Management
Foundation Chair-Elect	Adam Burke	Destination Management
Association Secretary	Domenic Bravo	Destination Management
Association Treasurer	Beth Erickson	Destination Management
Foundation Sec/Treas	Katherine O’Donnell	Destination Management

Key Takeaways

Strategic Shift: The 2026-2027 term focuses heavily on digital transformation and sustainable community-centric growth.
Public-Private Synergy: The appointment of a Tripadvisor executive to the Foundation Chair role highlights a move toward integrating private-sector tech insights with public-sector tourism goals.
Geographic Breadth: The board maintains a strong North American presence while aiming for global influence in destination management standards.
Focus on Workforce: A significant portion of the Foundation's mandate is now dedicated to leadership development and professional education for tourism workers.

FAQ

What is the primary goal of the new Destinations International leadership? The 2026–2027 team aims to strengthen local economies through sustainable tourism, improve community engagement, and leverage digital innovation to keep destinations competitive.

Who is the new Association Chair? Kyle Edmiston, the President and CEO of Visit Lake Charles, has assumed the role of Association Chair.

How does the Destinations International Foundation differ from the main Association? While the Association focuses on governance, advocacy, and membership, the Foundation specifically targets research, workforce development, and the creation of strategic initiatives to evolve the industry.

Steering the future of global travel requires a balance of corporate agility and public responsibility.