Christopher L. Thompson, the ex-president and CEO of Brand USA, along with William D. “Bill” Talbert, III, the former president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, are set to be recognized as the 2024 honorees of the US Travel Hall of Leaders this autumn, as per the recent announcement by the US Travel Association.
“Bill and Chris embody the highest ideals of a travel leader. Over many years, each has contributed in meaningful ways to the success and growth of this industry,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.
“Under Chris’s stewardship, Brand USA has flourished to increase visitation to the U.S. and maximize travel’s economic impact,” Freeman said. “His career in destination marketing reflects decades of incredibly effective work that enabled travel to thrive at the local, state and national level.”
Freeman added that it is difficult to envision a more effective brand ambassador or advocate for a destination than ‘Miami Bill’. He mentioned that Bill dedicated himself to transforming Miami into a thriving travel hub recognized globally by both leisure and business travelers. Moreover, Freeman highlighted that Bill’s contributions have not been limited to the beaches of Miami, as numerous organizations have greatly profited from his knowledge and support.
Distinguished figures like Talbert and Thompson have been selected for induction into U.S. Travel’s Hall of Leaders due to their enduring and significant contributions that have had a positive influence on the travel industry, encouraged greater success, and raised standards across the board. These recipients are recognized for their outstanding service to their respective organizations, as well as for their contributions that have enhanced the travel sector on both a national and global scale.
Christopher L. Thompson
During the period spanning from 2012 to 2024, Thompson held the position of president and CEO at Brand USA, a public-private partnership established under the federal Travel Promotion Act of 2009. He spearheaded innovative projects such as acclaimed storytelling and content strategies, the creation of three large-screen films with global viewership, and the introduction of the first national destination connected-TV channel.
Under his leadership, Brand USA emerged as a benchmark public-private partnership for national destination marketing organizations. Thompson steered the organization to unprecedented success prior to 2020, playing a pivotal role in the resurgence of international inbound visitation to the United States in the years following the pandemic.
Thompson previously held the position of president and CEO at VISIT FLORIDA and the Tallahassee Area Convention and Visitors Bureau before joining Brand USA. Additionally, he was in charge of the Leon County Tourist Development Council. Thompson’s career in the travel industry began in 1983 at the former Florida Department of Commerce, Division of Tourism.
William D. “Bill” Talbert, III
Talbert served as the president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau for over three decades, from 1990 to 2021. Throughout his tenure, he was recognized for his commitment to public service and his esteemed leadership in the travel and civic sectors, impacting Miami-Dade and surrounding areas for fifty years.
Under his direction, Greater Miami and Miami Beach experienced unprecedented growth in visitor numbers, job opportunities, and travel-related tax revenue, playing a crucial role in supporting vital projects in transportation, public safety, and the arts.
Talbert played a pivotal role in shaping the development of Miami, providing guidance and expertise in various aspects of the city’s growth. His influence was instrumental in the revitalization and expansion of the Miami Beach Convention Center, as well as in attracting major international events such as the Summit of the Americas and five NFL Super Bowls.
Additionally, he has held leadership positions in several prominent local and national organizations, including the VISIT FLORIDA board, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Travel & Tourism Advisory Board, the Black Hospitality Initiative of Greater Miami, and Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.
Since its establishment in 1969, a total of 108 travel industry professionals have been honored with inductions into the U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders. The 2023 honorees include Elliott L. Ferguson, II, who serves as president and CEO of Destination DC, and Peter F. Herschend, the co-founder of Herschend Enterprises.
