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The US Travel Association has announced the 2024 inductees into the US Travel Hall of Leaders: 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. These distinguished destination leaders will be honored this fall for their extraordinary contributions to the travel industry.

“Bill and Chris embody the highest ideals of a travel leader. Over the years, each has contributed meaningfully to the success and growth of this industry,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the US Travel Association.

“Under Chris’ stewardship, Brand USA has grown to increase visits to the US and maximize the economic impact of travel,” Freeman said. “His career in destination marketing reflects decades of incredibly effective work that enabled travel to flourish at the local, state and national levels.”

“It’s hard to imagine a better brand ambassador or destination advocate than ‘Miami Bill'”, Freeman added “Bill worked tirelessly to make Miami a successful travel gateway known worldwide for leisure and business travelers. But his service extends beyond the beaches of Miami to countless organizations that have benefited from his expertise.

Distinguished individuals like Talbert and Thompson have been inducted into the US Travel Hall of Leaders for their “sustained, significant contributions that have positively impacted the travel industry, spurred greater achievement and raised industry-wide standards.” The honorees are recognized not only for their outstanding service to their organizations but also for their contributions that have elevated the travel industry nationally and globally.

Christopher L. Thompson: Transformative Leadership at Brand USA

From 2012 to 2024, Christopher L. Thompson served as president and CEO of Brand USA, a public-private partnership established by the Federal Travel Promotion Act of 2009. During his tenure, he led groundbreaking initiatives including award-winning storytelling and content. strategies, the production of three giant-screen films shown globally, and the launch of the first national destination connected-TV channel.

Under Thompson’s leadership, Brand USA emerged as a model public-private partnership for national destination marketing organizations. He guided the organization to record numbers before 2020 and played a critical role in the revival of international inbound tourism to the United States in the years following the pandemic.

Prior to joining Brand USA, Thompson was president and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA and the Tallahassee Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also chaired the Leon County (Florida) Tourist Development Council. Thompson began his career in the travel industry in 1983 at the former Florida Department of Commerce, Division of Tourism.

William D. Talbert, III: Legacy of Leadership in the Travel Industry

William D. “Bill” Talbert, III, served as the longtime president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau from 1990 to 2021. Known as a dedicated public servant and respected travel and civic leader, Talbert’s influence spanned five years. For decades, significantly impacting Miami-Dade and beyond.

Under Talbert’s leadership, Greater Miami and Miami Beach consistently achieved record-breaking numbers in visitor arrivals, employment and tax revenue generated by travel. These achievements have funded essential initiatives in transportation, public safety, and local arts and culture, among other important services.

Talbert played a key role in the development of Miami, providing leadership and expertise that spurred regional growth. He was instrumental in the renovation and expansion of the Miami Beach Convention Center and was a key figure in securing prestigious international events including the Summit of the Americas and five NFL Super Bowls.

Talbert’s extensive contributions to the travel industry include serving as VISIT FLORIDA Board Chair and leading various local and national organizations. His involvement extends to the US Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, Greater Miami’s Black Hospitality Initiative, and Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Since its inception in 1969, the US Travel Hall of Leaders has inducted 108 travel industry professionals. Elliott L., a 2023 inductee. Ferguson, II, President and CEO of Destination DC, and Peter F. Herschend was the co-founder of Herschend Enterprises. A comprehensive list of past honorees is available for reference.

Christopher L. Talbert, along with Thompson, will be honored at a special dinner Nov. 20 during US Travel’s Fall Engagement Week in Washington, DC.