Stephen Foutes, the 2024 chair of the Southern Travel Directors Council, says that the group’s priorities are B2B2C campaigns and training sessions.
Mr Foutes, Director of the Missouri Division of Tourism, outlined his plans to continue building on past achievements by focusing on online content dispersal, training, and enhancing signature events like the Travel South International Showcase and Media Marketplace.
Looking ahead to FY24/25, strategic partnerships and research-driven approaches will be utilised to meet evolving consumer demands and market dynamics, with initiatives like Tourism Exchange USA aimed at expanding the region’s global footprint.
He emphasises collaboration with states and stakeholders as a key driver of success in boosting the travel industry, strengthening the national economy, supporting small businesses, and increasing tax revenues, with a shared goal of showcasing the South’s unique offerings to a global audience.
