The inductees will be honored in Washington, D.C., in November. Photo Credit: kmiragaya/Adobe Stock
The U.S. Travel Association has unveiled its 2024 Hall of Leaders inductees, recognizing two distinguished destination leaders for their exceptional contributions to the travel industry. 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, will be inducted on Nov. 20 in Washington, D.C.
Both honorees embody the industry’s highest ideals, said Geoff Freeman, U.S. Travel’s president and CEO: “Brand USA flourished under Thompson's leadership, increasing visitation to the U.S. and maximizing travel's economic impact.… And it’s hard to imagine a better brand ambassador or destination advocate than 'Miami Bill'. Bill worked tirelessly to build Miami into a successful travel gateway known worldwide to leisure and business travelers."
Christopher Thompson, former president and CEO of Brand USA Photo Credit: Courtesy of Brand USAChristopher Thompson: Elevating Brand USA
Thompson led Brand USA as president and CEO from 2012 to May 31 this year, spearheading several groundbreaking initiatives, including award-winning storytelling and content strategies, the production of three giant-screen films viewed around the world, and the launch of GoUSA TV, which streams travel stories about the United States on TV platforms in 50 countries.
Under Thompson's leadership, Brand USA achieved record numbers prior to 2020 and played a crucial role in reviving international inbound visitation to the United States after the pandemic's peak.
Bill Talbert, former president and CEO of the Greater Miami CVB Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Greater Miami CVBBill Talbert: Miami's “Tourism Titan”
Talbert helmed the Greater Miami CVB from 1990 to 2021. Under his guidance, the bureau consistently achieved record-setting visitor numbers and generated taxes that helped fund essential civic initiatives. He spearheaded the renovation and expansion of the Miami Beach Convention Center and secured prestigious events for the city, including five NFL Super Bowls. Over his five-decade career as a respected travel and civic leader in Miami-Dade County, Talbert left an indelible mark on the destination.
Celebrating a legacy of leadership
The induction of Thompson and Talbert brings the total number of U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders honorees to 108 since its inception in 1969. The two will be celebrated at a dinner on Nov. 20 during U.S. Travel's Fall Engagement Week in Washington, D.C.