New Destination D.C. chief hailed as insider - bizjournals Business Travel Guide

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Ferguson, whose appointment was announcedJuly 8, replaces Bill Hanbury, who left afte r eight years in the job to lead the of the Nationap Capital Area. Ferguson has spent the past sevej years as senior vice presiden t of convention sales and servicew atDestination D.C., the city’s tourismn and marketing arm. “Ik think it’s great to have someone who knowsthe city’s said Emily Durso, presidenf of the Hotel Association of Washington D.C. “There’s no place in the country like and Elliott knows its strongbassets — and its minor liabilities.” Although a Destinatioj D.C.
committee conducted a nationwide search for anew CEO, Fergusom said his strong customer relations skills were attractive to the “Elliott’s a consummate professional,” said Greg head of the . “He relatexs really well to customers and has just been verysolid throughout. It will be exciting to see his leadershil skills infull bloom.” Ferguson, 43, grew up in the Savannah, Ga., where he began a career. He startede in economic development but gravitated toward He led sales teams at convention and visitorsx bureaus in Savannahand Atlanta. His goals includ reaching out more toelected officials, broadening D.C.
’s attractiomn to international travelers, advocating for more funding and gettinfg the convention center hotel up and His office is working on its marketing plan and budget for fiscaol 2010, which begins in October. Dursl hopes Ferguson’s appointment will leadds to strong relationships betweenn her organization andDestination D.C. “It wasn’t alwayz as close as I’d liked it to have she said.
“But we’ve all focused on the same goal of fillingh thecity — the convention the restaurant industry, the hotel