Visit Lake Charles is proud to announce that Timothy Bush, chief marketing officer, has been selected as one of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International’s (HSMAI) 2025 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds. The award recognizes leaders who advance excellence and innovation in hospitality sales, marketing, revenue optimization and distribution, and honors professionals whose recent work features creativity and innovation, cutting-edge campaigns, success in challenging circumstances or initiatives that produced meaningful gains in the industry.
“Being named one of HSMAI’s Top 25 is an incredible honor,” Bush said. “I’ve dedicated my career to elevating destinations through thoughtful storytelling and strategic marketing. I’m proud of the work I’ve done along the way, and I’m deeply grateful for every opportunity that has shaped my journey in this industry.”
Bush brings two decades of expertise in destination marketing, brand strategy, and tourism development. As Visit Lake Charles’ chief marketing officer, he leads integrated marketing campaigns that increase awareness and drive measurable economic impact across an $800 million visitor economy. Since 2023, his innovative approach has earned 13 state, regional, and national creative awards. Over his career, Bush has led destination marketing organizations across the Southeast, secured funding increases, driven room-night growth, and elevated community identities through high-performing, industry-recognized brand initiatives. He holds CDME, TMP and CDTP certifications and serves in leadership roles with Destinations International, the Southeast Tourism Society and the Louisiana Travel Association.
“I’m incredibly proud of Timothy. Having worked with him for many years, I’ve seen his strategic vision and creative, data-driven approach deliver real results,” said Kyle Edmiston, president and CEO of Visit Lake Charles. “This national recognition is well-deserved and reflects his leadership in our industry.”
As a Top 25 honoree, Bush will be featured in HSMAI spotlights, receive a personalized award and be recognized as a thought leader in hospitality marketing. The HSMAI Top 25 honorees will be celebrated at a reception in New York City on Feb. 18, 2026.
Download Bush’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 VisitLakeCharles.org.
About HSMAI
The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners and is the industry’s leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals and their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as the Commercial Strategy Conference, Sales Leader Forum, and Adrian Awards. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is a membership organization comprising more than 5,000 members worldwide, with over 30 chapters in the Americas Region. Connect with HSMAI at hsmai.org.
