The Association of Travel Marketing Executives (ATME) and the U.S. Travel Association each separately announced they would honor the late Gary Sain, who was dedicated to the promotion of travel during his more than three decades in the industry.

Sain, who died May 4, spent more than three decades in various positions in the travel industry, most recently as president and CEO of Visit Orlando. He also served as a member of U.S. Travel’s executive committee and board of directors, helping advance numerous issues, including visa reform, and defending the value of business travel and meetings and conventions. Prior to joining Visit Orlando in February 2007, Sain served in senior positions with Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell, an Orlando-based international advertising and public relations agency specializing in the travel; GES Exposition Services; Premier Cruise Line; and Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

ATME will celebrate Sain’s life on June 26 by presenting him posthumously with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual ATLAS Awards Banquet and Dinner. Before becoming president and CEO of Visit Orlando, Sain served as ATME’s chairman from 2001 to 2006. He is remembered as a hard-working, passionate colleague as well as a devoted father and husband. Sain is survived by his wife, Pamela, and their two daughters, Vanessa and Olivia.

Sponsored by Discover and Diners Club International, the ATLAS Awards Banquet and Dinner, which is part of ATME’s annual conference, will take place Tuesday, June 26, 2012, at the W Hotel City Center. The reception will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. Donations can be made in Sain's name to UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management or to the Destination and Travel Foundation.

ATME’s annual conference, taking place June 26-27, 2012, at the W Hotel City Center in Chicago, will focus on Relevance: The New Marketing Imperative and will help attendees better understand their brand, product and message relevancy in order to capitalize on evolving consumer and market needs.

Separately, U.S. Travel has selected Sain and veteran travel correspondent Peter Greenberg, a preeminent voice for travel throughout America, as the 2012 inductees into the U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders. The two will be honored during a dinner among more than 100 travel industry leaders during the U.S. Travel winter board meeting on Nov. 29 at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas.

Special recognition will also be given during the dinner to Tom Nides, deputy secretary of the U.S. State Department for management and resources, and consular officers around the world for dramatically improving the visa experience for travelers from other countries wishing to visit the United States.