LAKE CHARLES, La. (July 16, 2025) — Kyle Edmiston, CDME, president and CEO of Visit Lake Charles, has been elected chair-elect of the 2025–26 Board of Directors for Destinations International, the global association for destination organizations. 

During the association’s annual business meeting, the slate of officers for the upcoming year was presented to and approved by the membership. The meeting took place Thursday, July 10, in Chicago during the annual convention. 

“It’s an incredible honor to serve as chair-elect of Destinations International,” Edmiston said. “This association continues to champion the global significance of destination organizations, setting the standard for innovation and leadership in our field. It’s a privilege to help shape the strategic vision of the association at such a transformative moment for our industry.” 

“Destinations International and the Destinations International Foundation are strengthened by the exceptional leaders who volunteer their time and expertise to serve on our boards and committees,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “We are especially excited to welcome Kyle Edmiston, CDME as chair-elect. His strategic insight, deep industry knowledge, and passion for destination marketing make him an invaluable asset to our leadership team. We are grateful for his continued dedication and look forward to the impact he will make in this role.” 

With nearly two decades in the travel and tourism industry, Edmiston brings a proven track record of leadership and vision to his new role. He most recently served as treasurer of the Destinations International board and was honored in 2023 with the Destination Organization Leadership Award. The award recognized his leadership in the global tourism sector and his efforts to elevate Southwest Louisiana as a premier destination on regional, national and international stages. 

Destinations International’s Association Board Officers for 2025–26                   

  • Chair: Leslie Bruce, CDME, President & CEO, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism Bureau 
  • Immediate Past Chair: Scott White, President & CEO, Visit Greater Palm Springs 
  • Chair-Elect: Kyle Edmiston, CDME, President & CEO, Visit Lake Charles 
  • Treasurer: Rickey L. Thigpen, MCTP, Ph.D., President & CEO, Visit Jackson 
  • Secretary: Beth Erickson, CDME, President & CEO, Visit Loudoun 
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Download Edmiston’s headshot here. 

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About Visit Lake Charles  

Visit Lake Charles, the official destination marketing organization for Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana, is the only organization in Southwest Louisiana providing advocacy, promotion, and education for the tourism industry. For more information on Visit Lake Charles and things to see and do in Louisiana’s Playground, log on to www.visitlakecharles.org. 

About Destinations International 

Destinations International is the world’s largest and most respected resource for destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards. With more than 8,000 members and partners from over 750 destinations, the association represents a powerful forward-thinking and collaborative community around the world. For more information, visit www.destinationsinternational.org.