Longtime industry leaders Arne Sorenson, president and CEO of Marriott International, and Randy Smith, co-founder and chairman of STR were selected as the 2017 inductees into the U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders, an honor that aims to recognize higher-ups who have positively impacted the industry.
Sorenson and Smith will be honored during a Nov. 14, 2017, dinner among more than 100 industry leaders at U.S. Travel's fall board meeting in Washington, D.C. According to U.S. Travel, distinguished individuals are named to its Hall of Leaders for "sustained, noteworthy contributions that have positively impacted the travel industry, stimulated greater achievement, and raised industry-wide standards."
"Beyond leading two outstanding organizations focused on economic growth and job creation through travel, Arne and Randy have been vocal advocates for the industry for several decades," said U.S. Travel President and CEO Roger Dow. “Arne not only oversees one of the leading travel brands, but he is investing his time and expertise to promote the industry via the media and through his involvement in Brand USA. Randy created a data research company that has been the industry standard for measuring the health of the hotel economy."
With these inductions, 94 travel industry professionals have been inducted into the U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders since it was created in 1969. The 2016 inductees were Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California, and Chris Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton Worldwide.
