Leadership & Community with Destination International's Don Welsh

Don Welsh, CEO of Destinations International shares the origins of his passion for this work, key moments in his career and lessons learned along the way. 

A seasoned tourism executive with more than 40 years of experience in the industry, Don Welsh has held positions with almost every sector within the travel and tourism industry. He currently serves as the President and CEO of Destinations International, the global trade association for convention and visitors bureaus and tourism boards.  

Prior to joining Destinations International, Welsh served as the President and CEO of Choose Chicago. Welsh also held the CEO position at the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association and the Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau. Prior to joining the destination marketing industry, Welsh served as senior vice president for Westin Hotels at its corporate headquarters and has also held senior marketing and sales positions in the corporate offices for Westin Hotels and Resorts and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and also with the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino in Las Vegas. Welsh has served on various boards and committees during his career. He currently serves on the Event Industry Council Board of Directors.

Business Class is brought to you by The Tourism Academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies. Learn how to engage your community, win over stakeholders and get more visitors at tourismacademy.org.