U.S. Destinations Rush Plans to Welcome Return of International Visitors
Photo Credit: Panel discussion with tourism leaders at Skift Global Forum. Visit California President and CEO Caroline Beteta and Visit Florida President and CEO Dana Young joined remotely while Destination D.C. President and CEO Elliott Ferguson joined Skift Global Tourism Reporter Lebawit Lily Girma on stage. Skift / Matt Matieiscu
Skift Take
Those U.S. destinations that have stayed ready during the pandemic for the return of international visitors don't have to waste valuable time getting prepped. The White House's unexpected relaxation of rules, however, has tourism officials scrambling.
The recent announcement that the United States will reopen to fully vaccinated international air travelers from November has undoubtedly provided a major boost to U.S. destinations battered by the large-scale absence of visitors from lucrative markets.
But the news has also led destination marketing organizations to immediately revamp their strategy to prepare for the return of overseas visitors, said three executives from major U.S. destination marketing organizations at the Skift Global Forum on Thursday in discussion with Skift global tourism reporter Lebawit Lily Girma.
Dana Young is one executive who is wasting no time in preparing her destination to welcome international visitors. The president and CEO of Visit Florida said she's going to London on Saturday to establish new
