Stanley named to Destinations International Class

Taylor Beard Stanley

Visit Lake Charles is thrilled to announce that Taylor Beard Stanley has been named one of Destinations International’s 2020 30 Under 30 recipients.

The 30 individuals, 30 years of age and under, will have the opportunity to engage in professional development opportunities throughout 2020 and beyond. The honorees originate from a variety of destination organizations of all sizes and countries, however, Stanley is the only Louisiana representative chosen this year.

A graduate of Grand Lake High School and McNeese State University, she began her career at Visit Lake Charles in October 2016 as Sales Manager. After being promoted to Senior Sales Manager in March 2018, she aligned her vision on how Visit Lake Charles could provide added value and educational opportunities to hotel partners. Stanley has recently developed and launched Destination SWLA to educate hotel partners’ front-line and management on the role of Visit Lake Charles and how to strengthen our relationship and create a better experience for visitors.

She has also developed and organized Baton Rouge and Houston sales missions to market Southwest Louisiana as a corporate, associate and group business destination. Among her many sales accomplishments, she has worked to bring the 18th CWC World LNG & Gas Series: Americas Summit & Exhibition to Lake Charles, which is the first-ever international conference to be hosted in Southwest Louisiana.

“I am so unbelievably honored to have been selected for Destination International’s 2020 30 Under 30 Class. When I started my tourism career in 2016, I never expected all of these amazing opportunities which I’ve been blessed with,” said Stanley. “I am so grateful to each person that has supported and men- tored me along the way. I look forward to utilizing the new skills I will gain through this program to continue to serve our wonderful community here in Southwest Louisiana!“

She currently serves on the board of the Louisiana Society of Association Executives and is a proud graduate of the Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy. Taylor was also awarded the Louisiana Travel Association’s Rising Star Award earlier this year.

The program will focus on year-round professional development, including regular interactive webinars and an online community to share ideas.

Now in its 10th year, the 30 Under 30 program is supported by founding program partner, SearchWide Global and sponsored by Fired Up! Culture, MMGY Global, Northstar Meetings Group and Pandora.

For more information on the 30 Under 30 Program and the 2020 30 Under 30 class, please visit http://destinationsinternational.org/general-information/30-under-30.