The Southern Travel Directors Council (STDC) is pleased to announce the election of Stephen Foutes, Director of the Missouri Division of Tourism, as the new Chairman of the Board for the FY24/25 term. Foutes brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the tourism industry, making him a valuable leader for the Council’s mission to promote and enhance tourism across the Southern region.
Joining Foutes on the Executive Board for this term are Vice Chair Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development; Secretary Wit Tuttell, Executive Director of Visit North Carolina; Treasurer Rochelle Hicks of Visit Mississippi; Immediate Past Chair Mike Mangeot, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Tourism; and Liz Bittner, President & CEO of Travel South USA.
As a lifelong Missourian, Foutes has been a driving force in the Missouri Division of Tourism since 2009. His background in journalism and deep understanding of the tourism industry provide him with the insights necessary to drive growth and innovation within the STDC. “I am honored to serve as Chair of the Southern Travel Directors Council,” Foutes stated. “Working alongside such a dedicated and forward-thinking team, my focus for the FY24/25 term will be on advancing our B2B2C campaigns, creating compelling online content to draw travelers to our region, and introducing targeted ‘power hours’ training sessions to keep our destinations at the forefront of industry trends.”
Foutes also recognizes the importance of Signature Events like the Travel South International Showcase, Global Week & Media Marketplace, and IPW Client Activation. These events are crucial for connecting Southern destinations with global tour operators and media, boosting the region’s tourism profile internationally. “Our initiatives for the FY24/25 term will be guided by research-driven strategies and strong partnerships,” Foutes added. “We aim to strengthen our regional identity and expand our global presence through efforts like Tourism Exchange USA, supported by Brand USA. This initiative will revolutionize our stakeholder engagement and bolster tourism across the Southern states.”
Travel South USA, America’s oldest and largest regional travel promotion organization, was founded in 1965 and represents the state tourism offices of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The organization plays a crucial role in the region’s economic development, with tourism ranking among the top three industries in the South. In 2019, the industry contributed $133 billion in visitor spending, generated 1.4 million direct jobs, paid out $30 billion in worker salaries, and brought in nearly $16 billion in state and local taxes. With Foutes at the helm, the STDC is poised to continue its efforts in promoting the Southern region as a premier travel destination.
