Destinations International has named Keith Backsen, CDME, to the new position of chief sales and services officer, effective Jan. 1,
2021. In this role, he will be responsible for DI's membership and partnership
departments.
Backsen has spent more than 30 years in the travel
and tourism industry; he most recently served as president and CEO of Visit Omaha and immediately before that role, he was the vice president of sales and services for Visit Spokane. He has also served on the Destinations International
Foundation board of trustees and was on the customer advisory board for Simpleview, a travel and tourism industry technology
provider.
"As the association for convention and visitors
bureaus, Destinations International exists for the sole purpose of empowering
its member organizations around the world so that their destinations excel," said Backsen of his new role. "Our strategic partners fuel and provide the resources, data and
services to help members achieve their goals. I am excited to join the
Destinations International team to help grow membership and partnership and
look forward to continuing to work with my peers in the travel and tourism
industry in this new capacity."
In a statement announcing the appointment, DI president and CEO Don Welsh said, "We are thrilled to welcome Keith as
a full-time employee of the Destinations International team; he has a wealth of knowledge
in the areas of sales and services and has a true passion for our industry. His
experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to build upon our
current memberships and partnerships."