Visit Lake Charles is proud to announce that Kyle Edmiston, CDME, president and CEO of Visit Lake Charles, has officially begun his term as chair of the Destinations International Board of Directors, bringing global industry leadership and visibility to Southwest Louisiana. Edmiston makes history as the first person to have chaired the Brand USA Board of Directors and now to chair the Destinations International Board of Directors.

Destinations International announced its 2026-27 Association Board of Directors and Foundation Board of Trustees on July 23 during the organization’s Annual Convention in Portland, Oregon. Elections were held at the association’s annual business meeting, where Edmiston assumed the role of chair after serving as chair-elect for the 2025-26 term. 

Destinations International is the world’s largest and most trusted resource for destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus, and tourism boards. The organization represents more than 10,000 members and partners across more than 800 destinations worldwide. 

“I am honored to serve as chair of Destinations International,” Edmiston said. “Our industry is evolving rapidly, and this organization continues to lead the global conversation on the future of destination leadership. I look forward to working with my fellow board members and the Destinations International team to support our members, strengthen the communities they serve and build on the association’s strong momentum.” 

Edmiston has nearly two decades of experience in the travel and tourism industry and has led Visit Lake Charles through a period of continued destination growth, national media visibility, award-winning marketing, record-breaking sales efforts, destination development, and strengthened community partnerships. His leadership has helped position Southwest Louisiana as a respected voice in destination marketing, sports tourism, meetings and conventions, accessibility, advocacy, and community-centered tourism. 

“Kyle Edmiston is one of the most respected leaders in the destination organization profession, and his election as Chair of Destinations International is a testament to his vision, integrity and unwavering commitment to serving both his community and our global industry,” said Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. “Throughout his career, Kyle has demonstrated that destination organizations are catalysts for economic opportunity, community pride and long-term prosperity. Destinations International is fortunate to have his leadership as we continue advancing our mission around the world, and I know he will represent Visit Lake Charles and the state of Louisiana with distinction during his term as chair.” 

In 2023, he received Destinations International’s Destination Organization Leadership Award in recognition of his contributions to the global tourism industry and his leadership in elevating Southwest Louisiana's profile regionally, nationally and internationally. 

Destinations International’s Association Board officers for 2026-27 include: 

  • Chair: Kyle Edmiston, CDME, president and CEO, Visit Lake Charles 
  • Chair-elect: Rickey Thigpen, MCTP, Ph.D., president and CEO, Visit Jackson 
  • Immediate past chair: Leslie Bruce, CDME, president and CEO, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism 
  • Secretary: Domenic Bravo, CDME, CTA, CPM, executive director, Wyoming Office of Tourism 
  • Treasurer: Beth Erickson, CDME, president and CEO, Visit Loudoun 

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 trusted resource for destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards. With more than 10,000 members and partners from over 800 destinations, the association represents a powerful forward-thinking and collaborative community around the world. For more information, visit www.destinationsinternational.org.