Visit Baltimore, the official destination sales and marketing organization for Baltimore, announced today that Social Media Manager Erica Malanga has been named one of Destinations International’s 30 Under 30 recipients.

The 30 individuals, 30 years of age and under, will have the opportunity to engage in professional development opportunities throughout 2019 and beyond. The honorees originate from a variety of destination organizations of all sizes and countries.

Malanga is responsible for developing Visit Baltimore’s social media campaigns and content, as well as other digital initiatives; she manages brand awareness and online reputation through Facebook, Instagram and other platforms. Malanga’s most recent efforts focus on promoting Baltimore’s burgeoning maker scene. Malanga holds a master’s degree in strategic communications from American University and a B.A. in English and communications from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

“We’re proud of Erica for representing Visit Baltimore so well and earning this prestigious industry honor,” said Al Hutchinson, President and CEO of Visit Baltimore. “Erica and the rest of the honorees truly represent the future leaders of our industry. I look forward to her contributions in the coming years as she continues to grow professionally and help us elevate the Baltimore brand on social media and beyond.”

“The 30 Under 30 program remains critical to our organization’s vision and mission,” said Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International. “The future of the travel and tourism industry remains dependent on today’s young professionals and the Foundation continually invests in the leaders of tomorrow through professional development and mentorship opportunities. We look forward to connecting with the 30 future leaders at this year’s Annual Convention, throughout 2019 and their careers.”

30 Under 30 Program Benefits:

• Honorees will receive complimentary registration and three nights' hotel accommodations during Destinations International's 2019 Annual Convention.
• Recognition on stage and throughout the 2019 Annual Convention in St. Louis, MO, July 23-25, 2019.
• Complimentary registration for Fundamentals in Destination Marketing, the first course of Destinations International's Professional in Destination Management (PDM) program.
• Year-round professional development focus, including regular interactive webinars and an online community to share ideas.
• Opportunity to apply to attend the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux's Annual Conference.

“The Destinations International Foundation is proud to support the 30 Under 30 Program,” said Jason Fulvi, Board Chair of the Destinations International Foundation and President and CEO of Visit KC. “This program helps further develop our industry’s leaders of tomorrow. We look forward to having them join us at the Annual Convention and continuing to grow throughout the year.”

Now in its ninth year, the 30 Under 30 program is supported by founding program partner, SearchWide Global and sponsored by IMEX Group, MMGY Global and Northstar Meetings Group.

“Not only does the program bring incredible value to our industry, but it brings unlimited opportunity to the recipients,” said Mike Gamble, President and CEO of SearchWide Global. “By shaping future industry leaders, we can build an even better future for destination marketing.”

For more information about the 30 Under 30 program or Destinations International, visit DestinationsInternational.org.

Visit Baltimore is the official sales and marketing organization for Baltimore that generates economic benefits for stakeholders through the attraction of convention, group and leisure visitors. For more information, please visit Baltimore.org.