Julie Gilbert

Background

About Julie Gilbert

Julie Gilbert’s travel and tourism career is extensive. Her skills include success in marketing, sales, branding, digital, communications and partnerships. Her leadership experience has been refined in key travel and tourism industry segments within hospitality (leisure and meetings), attractions, destinations, airlines, associations and government agencies. In 2014, Julie joined Destination Niagara USA and led the successful repositioning of the iconic global brand. Then she went on to become the Vice President of Sales & Marketing where she led the organization’s marketing, communications, sales and brand management functions to increase the worldwide visibility of Niagara Falls USA as a leading leisure and meetings destination. Julie's travel and tourism journey began as Executive Director for South Charleston CVB in West Virginia, then became Director of Sales and Marketing for the State of West Virginia. She then established a full-service travel, tourism, and hospitality agency providing strategic marketing, sales, partnerships, and management services to a portfolio of companies. Julie served as Director of Sales and Marketing for National Park Reservations, the oldest and largest provider of reservation and information services for national parks and gateway communities. Julie is currently the President & CEO of Destinations Door County, a premier destination located in the (thumb) peninsula of Wisconsin. It is often referred to as the Cape Cod of the Mid West. Julie has a Bachelor of Science in Business and Management Studies from the University of Maryland, holds her CDME (Certified Destination Management Executive) through Destinations International along with a CTP (Certified Travel Professional) designation from the National Tour Association. She was elected to the executive board of the Travel and Tourism Research Association in 2015 - 2018, and served on the US Travel Association’s ESTO planning committee, IPW task force and Chair of the Destinations International Foundation Research Advisory Task Force. She has chaired Wine, Water & Wonders, a New York State international marketing group and sat on the Board of Directors for the Lockport (NY) Locks Heritage District Corporation. She is currently co-chair of Destinations International Advocacy Committee. In 2024 she was the lead for the Sustainability Task Force along with sitting on the Destinations International Foundation Development Committee. Julie is also Treasurer for Destinations Wisconsin.