TBM Staff - Mumbai
Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organisation, has unveiled its new leadership and members for the 2025 Board of Directors. Elliott Ferguson, CEO of Destination DC, has been named Board Chair for a one-year term. Ferguson, who joined the board in 2022 and recently served as Treasurer, will lead alongside Vice Chair Lauren Bailey, Treasurer Kristen Esposito, and Secretary Allen Orr.
The organisation welcomed two new directors: Danny Hughes, President of the Americas at Hilton, representing Hotel Accommodations, and Gus Antorcha, President of Princess Cruises, representing Land or Sea Transportation. Additionally, Ferguson, Bailey, and past-chair Todd Davidson were reappointed for second three-year terms. The 11-member board, appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce in consultation with the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, represents various travel and tourism sectors and aims to drive economic growth through international travel.
Deputy Assistant Secretary Alex Lasry highlighted the board’s role in advancing the National Travel and Tourism Strategy, with Brand USA aiming to reach its goal of welcoming 90 million visitors by 2027—a target it expects to achieve by 2026. Elliott Ferguson reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to showcasing the U.S. as a welcoming and diverse destination, prioritising growth in markets such as Asia and international meetings while focusing on safe and accessible travel for global visitors.
Fred Dixon, President and CEO, Brand USA, emphasised the shift from recovery to growth, leveraging the expertise of the new board members. Brand USA expressed gratitude to departing members Don Moore and Mark Hoplamazian for their significant contributions. The complete list of the 2025 board includes leaders from organisations such as Disney Vacation Club, Delta Air Lines, and Hotels.com, reflecting a collective vision to position the U.S. as a premier global travel destination.
