AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
CalTravel has launched a grassroots outreach program to increase our communication, collaboration, and advocacy efforts within the travel and tourism industry. The ambassadors act as the “glue” to connect CalTravel members with information, other members, resources, events, and most importantly, relationships with legislators in their regions. At CalTravel events, the ambassadors also serve as liaisons to guide and introduce new attendees and members to CalTravel information and people.
What we ask of Ambassadors:
Meet with state legislators in your district: We ask that ambassadors meet with their legislators at least once per year to introduce themselves and share a few key talking points on the importance of travel and tourism in California.
Attend our annual Tourism Advocacy Day in Sacramento: We ask that ambassadors join us as we descend on the Capitol for group meetings with legislators, and then attend the reception immediately following to reinforce the importance of tourism to legislators.
Serve as a local information resource: We ask ambassadors to please share industry issues and news with CalTravel, and also to share CalTravel news with other members.
Introduce prospective members: We ask that ambassadors reach out to other travel and tourism contacts in their area, introduce them to CalTravel, and encourage them to get involved.
The Ambassador Program is a great way to network in the travel and tourism industry, and it is valuable work that truly helps CalTravel in its mission of advocacy, collaboration, and education.
Interested in becoming a CalTravel ambassador, or know someone who’d be a great fit? Please reach out to Tricia Alvernaz at talvernaz@caltravel.org.
2019-2020 AMBASSADOR ROSTER
Jay Burress
Visit Anaheim
Andrea Caldwell
San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Brad Calkins
Visit Santa Rosa
Cassandra Costello
San Francisco Travel Association
Lorraine Chapman, Chair
Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau
Chuck Davison
Visit SLO CAL
Diana Elmore
Merlin Entertainments plc - Madame Tussauds
Tracy Farhad
Visit Tri-Valley
Robyn Gallegos
Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau
Leslee Gaul
Visit Oceanside
Jeanette Guire
Roaring Camp Railroads
Marilyn Hannes
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
Jerri Harris
AAA Westways
Kathy Janega-Dykes
Visit Santa Barbara
Misti Kerns
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
Eddie Kirsch
Big Bear Visitors Bureau
Melyssa Laughlin
Visit Vacaville
Patti MacJennett
Los Angeles Tourism
Paul Martin
Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Mardeen Mattix
San Diego Convention Center
Kelly Miller
Visit Huntington Beach
Richard Peterson
US Cultural & Heritage Marketing Council
Kelly Powers
Hotel Council of San Francisco
Wes Rhea
Visit Stockton
Mina Robertson
Miles Partnership
Rhonda Salisbury
Visit Yosemite | Madera County
Marc Sapoznik
Visit Rancho Cordova
Elaine Schroth
Visit Concord
Alan Suchodolski
aRes Travel - Advanced Reservation Systems Inc.
Christine Susa
Visit Pasadena
Jennifer Talt Lundin
Ventura Port District
Joe Terzi
San Diego Tourism Authority
“As a member of CalTravel, I am professionally inspired by the organization’s innovative approach to integrate advocacy, collaboration, and education in all they do. From the critical work facilitated by CalTravel’s advocacy partners - Political Solutions, to the successful efforts of the Ambassador Program, the organization ensures California’s travel industry voice is ever present, supporting the collective tourism issues affecting our state’s economy, communities, infrastructure and environment.”
