Visit Springfield’s Zhavier Harris Named one of 30 Future Leaders of Destination Organization Industry

Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway

Springfield, IL April 6, 2022 –Visit Springfield is thrilled to announce that Zhavier Harris has been named one of Destinations International’s 2022 30 Under 30 recipients. To learn more about each honoree, click here.

Zhavier Harris

Zhavier Harris is responsible for engaging with domestic & international travel writers, editors, media, and film crews. He solicits editorial coverage selling Springfield as a leisure tourism destination while coordinating sites visits and familiarization tours.

“Zhavier is an impressive professional, I am excited but not surprised by the Destinations International 30 Under 30 recognition. This is a very proud moment for ‘Z’, the SCVB team and City of Springfield, Illinois” said Scott Dahl, Director of the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Destinations International is committed to investing and preparing the leaders of tomorrow and developing future industry leaders that represent a diverse set of backgrounds and perspectives. Each year, 30 individuals under the age of 30, are selected to gain valuable industry networking opportunities and increased thought leadership throughout the year. The honorees originate from a variety of destination organizations of all sizes and countries.

A diverse and inclusive workplace is central to our industry’s ability to attract, develop, and retain the talent it needs to remain competitive, drive innovation and maintain relevance. Studies on equity, diversity and inclusion show that there is an opportunity for training and education for entry and midlevel employees that would have a long-term impact to implement equity, diversity and inclusion practices and be deliberate on succession planning.

“The 30 Under 30 program remains critical to our organization’s vision and mission,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “As our industry moves toward recovery, we are especially excited to announce these young professionals as they are the future of the travel and tourism industry.”

“The Destinations International Foundation believes in building up the leaders of tomorrow, said John Percy, president and CEO of Destination Niagara USA and Destinations International Foundation chair. “We are proud of our 30 Under 30 Program and for the foundation investors who make programs like these possible for our industry. We look forward to engaging with them through professional development and networking opportunities throughout the year and in the years to come.”

Now in its 12th year, the 30 Under 30 program is supported by founding program partner, SearchWide Global and sponsored by Fired Up! Culture, Northstar Meetings Group and PCMA. For more information on the 30 Under 30 Program and the 2022 30 Under 30 class, please visit destinationsinternational.org/general-information/30-under-30.

About the Destinations International Foundation:
The Destinations International Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering destination marketers globally by providing education, research, advocacy and leadership development. The Foundation is classified as a charitable organization, under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code and all donations to the Foundation are tax deductible.

Destinations International is the world’s largest resource for official destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards. Destinations International is about serving destination marketing professionals first and foremost. Together with more than 6,500 members and partners from over 650 destinations in approximately 13 countries, Destinations International represents a powerful forward-thinking, collaborative association that exchanges bold ideas, connects innovative people and elevates tourism to its highest potential. For more information visit www.destinationsinternational.org.

About Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau –
The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Springfield, Illinois. The SCVB markets the capital city as a unique convention, meeting and leisure destination in support of our City, our community and our hospitality partners.

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