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The U.S. Travel Association has announced the 2024 inductees into the U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders: Christopher L. Thompson, former president and CEO of Brand USA, and William D. “Bill” Talbert, III, former president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. These distinguished destination leaders will be honored this fall for their exceptional contributions to the travel industry.

“Bill and Chris embody the highest ideals of a travel leader. Over many years, each has contributed in meaningful ways to the success and growth of this industry,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.

“Under Chris’s stewardship, Brand USA has flourished to increase visitation to the U.S. and maximize travel’s economic impact,” Freeman said. “His career in destination marketing reflects decades of incredibly effective work that enabled travel to thrive at the local, state and national level.”

“It’s hard to imagine a better brand ambassador or destination advocate than ‘Miami Bill’”, Freeman added. “Bill worked tirelessly to build Miami into a successful travel gateway known worldwide to leisure and business travelers. But his service extends far beyond the beaches of Miami to the countless organizations that have benefitted from his expertise.”

Distinguished figures like Talbert and Thompson are inducted into the U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders for their “sustained, noteworthy contributions that have positively impacted the travel industry, stimulated greater achievement, and raised industry-wide standards.” Honorees are recognized not only for their outstanding service to their organizations but also for their contributions that have elevated the travel industry on both national and global scales.

Christopher L. Thompson: Transformative Leadership at Brand USA

From 2012 to 2024, Christopher L. Thompson served as the president and CEO of Brand USA, a public-private partnership established by the federal Travel Promotion Act of 2009. During his tenure, he spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives, including award-winning storytelling and content strategies, the production of three giant-screen films showcased globally, and the launch of the first national destination connected-TV channel.

Under Thompson’s leadership, Brand USA emerged as a model public-private partnership for national destination marketing organizations. He guided the organization to record numbers prior to 2020 and played a crucial role in the resurgence of international inbound tourism to the United States in the post-pandemic years.

Before joining Brand USA, Thompson was the president and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA and the Tallahassee Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also led the Leon County (Florida) Tourist Development Council. Thompson began his career in the travel industry in 1983 at the former Florida Department of Commerce, Division of Tourism.

William D. Talbert, III: A Legacy of Leadership in the Travel Industry

William D. “Bill” Talbert, III, served as the long-time president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau from 1990 to 2021. Renowned as a dedicated public servant and a respected travel and civic leader, Talbert’s influence spanned five decades, significantly impacting Miami-Dade and beyond.

Under Talbert’s leadership, Greater Miami and Miami Beach consistently achieved record-breaking numbers in visitor arrivals, employment, and travel-generated tax revenues. These accomplishments funded essential initiatives in transportation, public safety, and local arts and culture, among other vital services.

Talbert played a pivotal role in Miami’s growth, providing leadership and expertise that spurred regional development. He was instrumental in the renovation and expansion of the Miami Beach Convention Center and was a key figure in securing prestigious international events, including the Summit of the Americas and five NFL Super Bowls.

Talbert’s extensive contributions to the travel industry include serving as chair of the VISIT FLORIDA board and leading various local and national organizations. His involvement extended to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Travel & Tourism Advisory Board, the Black Hospitality Initiative of Greater Miami, and Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, among others.

Since its inception in 1969, the U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders has inducted 108 travel industry professionals. The 2023 inductees were Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC, and Peter F. Herschend, co-founder of Herschend Enterprises. A comprehensive list of past honorees is available for reference.

Talbert, alongside Christopher L. Thompson, will be honored at a special dinner on November 20 during U.S. Travel’s Fall Engagement Week in Washington, D.C. The event will be attended by more than 100 travel industry leaders, celebrating their remarkable contributions to the travel sector.