CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – April 3, 2024 – Visit Corpus Christi, the official destination management organization for Corpus Christi, Texas, is thrilled to announce that America Segura has been named one of Destinations International’s 2024 30 Under 30 recipients. Segura has worked at Visit Corpus Christi for three years and plays an integral role within the team. In her role, America champions national and international public relations and communications initiatives with a world-class communication strategy that resonates with millions around the globe for the organization with a mission in strengthening our community by sharing Corpus Christi with the world. 

"I am so incredibly elated to be among this year's DI 30 under 30 honorees. I am humbled to know that my career in tourism has led to this moment and look forward to pursuing this recognition in a way that is honoring of my love for God, travel, community, and global connection." Segura said.

“I am so very proud of the work America has accomplished for Visit Corpus Christi as well as the work she has put into herself to be at a level of being named one of the top 30 young tourism leaders in the world.” Said Brett Oetting, President & CEO of Visit Corpus Christi. “Her work with travel writers, media and influencers has made a positive impact on Corpus Christi as we continue to see story after story that Corpus Christi is the place to be.”

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. This year’s honorees hail from 30 unique destinations across four countries and were selected from a competitive pool of 96 applicants. 

“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 it is important to empower future leaders,” said Ellie Westman Chin, CDME, president and CEO of Destination Madison and chair of the Destinations International Foundation. “We are thrilled to see the 30 Under 30 Program enter its 14th year, and we are thankful for the foundation investors who make programs like these possible for our industry through their contributions. We look forward to engaging with this group of emerging leaders through professional development, educational opportunities and networking with industry peers and leaders throughout the year and in the years to come. 

“We are pleased to honor this year’s 30 Under 30 class of bright and talented young leaders,” said Mike Gamble, President and CEO of SearchWide Global. “Year after year, I am consistently impressed by the caliber of individuals we welcome into this program, representing destinations worldwide. We remain committed to helping our young leaders shape the future of our industry.” 

The 2024 30 Under 30 Class Includes: 

  • Alexandria Eady, Content Manager, Richmond Region Tourism 
  • America Segura, Public Relations Manager, Visit Corpus Christi 
  • Andrew Lawrence, Assistant Director, Arlington Sports Commission, Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau 
  • Brittany Jones, Marketing Project Manager, Discover Durham 
  • Caitlin Neal, Marketing Director, Gilmer Chamber/Pick Ellijay 
  • Catherine Streater, Senior Coordinator, Brand USA 
  • Cristina Fernandes, Leisure Sales Coordinator, Discover Puerto Rico 
  • Fallon Tullier, Research and Technology Manager, Visit Baton Rouge 
  • Hailey Post, Destination Data Manager, Visit Raleigh 
  • Ian Wallis, Sales & Marketing Manager, Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Tourism 
  • Jessica VanDeMar, Marketing Manager, Visit Finger Lakes 
  • Kasmara Freiderich, National Sales Manager, Experience Rochester, MN 
  • Katie Clarke, People and Culture Coordinator, Destination Vancouver 
  • Lee Prutsman, Senior Marketing Manager, Visit KC 
  • Luke Alexopoulos, Senior Public Relations Manager, Visit Eau Claire 
  • Macy Dolton, Content Marketing Specialist, Destination DC 
  • Maggie Carter, Creative Marketing Manager, Visit Baltimore 
  • Martin Garneau , Senior Manager, Systems Architecture and Application Development, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism 
  • Mary Coryell, Manager, Partner Relations, Discover Lehigh Valley 
  • Megan Myers, Digital Media Director, Hocking Hills Tourism Association 
  • Megane Simone, Bid & Communication Manager, Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation 
  • Millie Stewart, Director of Sales, Visit Ogden 
  • Nathaniel Sweetman, Sports Marketing Coordinator, Visit Sarasota County 
  • Orla Moule, Business Events Assistants, Fáilte Ireland 
  • Samantha Green Ewald, Destination Services Manager, Visit Charlotte/Charlotte Regional Visitor's Authority 
  • Sheridan Powell, Communications Specialist, Visit Colorado Springs 
  • Sydney Macapagal, Digital Content Strategist, Visit Galveston 
  • Sydney O'Connell, Marketing Manager, Visit Fort Worth 
  • Wayne Stewart, Director of Marketing & Communications, Visit Casper 
  • Wesley Sosa, Graphic Designer and Brand Manager, Visit Stockton 

Now in its 14th year, the 30 Under 30 program is supported by founding program partner, SearchWide Global and sponsored by Fired Up! Culture and IMEX. For more information on the 30 Under 30 Program and the 2024 30 Under 30 class, please visit destinationsinternational.org/general-information/30-under-30. 

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About Destinations International: 
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. 

For more information about Visit Corpus Christi and its initiatives, please visit: www.visitcorpuschristi.com.

ABOUT VISIT CORPUS CHRISTI:

Visit Corpus Christi is a state and national award-winning 501c6 Destination Management Organization contracted by the city of Corpus Christi with a mission to create a better community by sharing Corpus Christi with the world. The organization is primarily funded through Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) paid by visitors while staying overnight in hotels and short-term rentals. Visit Corpus Christi also has a non-profit foundation that supports the hospitality and tourism industry via education programs, raising and providing funding to individuals and businesses during times of need through the Visit CC Cares program.