SANDUSKY, Ohio – The Ohio Travel Association is proud to announce that Katie Thompson of Visit Dublin Ohio graduated from the Ohio Tourism Leadership Academy during the Ohio Conference on Travel. The conference was held Oct. 12-14 at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Sandusky.

The Ohio Tourism Leadership Academy is a 6-month program designed to develop Ohio travel industry leaders. The programming explores travel and tourism’s role and contributions to outdoor recreation and conservation, transportation, economic development, heritage, and historic preservation, and arts and culture. Sessions also focus on transportation, leadership skills, advocacy, and media. Including this year’s class of 23 graduates, there are now 260 Ohio Tourism Leadership Academy alumni. 

“Ohio Tourism Leadership Academy graduates are well-versed on travel’s undeniable contributions to communities and the state of Ohio,” said Ohio Travel Association Executive Director Melinda Huntley. “Through meetings with state leaders, individual study, and group projects, these professionals are ready to lead and innovate.”    

The Ohio Travel Association is the non-profit association representing attractions, destination marketing organizations, hotels, museums, suppliers, restaurants, campgrounds and other businesses that makeup Ohio’s $47 billion travel industry. For more information about the Ohio Travel Association and the 2023 Ohio Tourism Leadership Academy, visit ohiotravel.org.