Last updated: 9:00 AM ET, Tue October 28, 2025
Ian Centrone, Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing (Photo Credit: Ian Centrone)
Bio
As Deputy Tourism Director for the Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing, Ian Centrone helps lead strategic efforts to promote the destination while prioritizing sustainability and community impact. He’s especially proud of our award-winning “Explore Natural Martin” ecotourism initiative. What sets him apart is a unique perspective, bringing a background in luxury hospitality marketing and a successful career as a freelance travel journalist and photographer. As a proud recipient of TTRA’s Emerging Leader Rising Star Award, he’s dedicated his career to advancing sustainable, creative, and community-driven tourism. He co-authored the "Sustainable Escapes" book published by Lonely Planet in 2020.
Through multimedia campaigns like “Explore Natural Martin,” "Mood for Martin," "Sea Where Art Takes You," "Missed Milestones," and "A.I. Means More Here," he’s helped position Martin County as an award-winning destination recognized by organizations like Leave No Trace, Visit Florida, HSMAI, STS, PRSA, AMCP, the International Business Awards, and more. From leading pandemic recovery initiatives to producing nationally recognized video and podcast content, his work has consistently driven awareness, innovation, and impact across the industry - earning more than 50 honors for marketing, sustainability, and storytelling in the past three years alone. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Southeast Tourism Society, supporting pillars of Advocacy, Education, Recognition, and Networking to uplift the regional travel industry.
Ian is 35 years old.
“I am deeply honored to be named to the 2025 TravelPulse 40 Under 40 list,” said Centrone. “This recognition is a meaningful reminder of how powerful tourism can be when it’s rooted in authenticity, community, and purpose. Working in destination marketing has given me the opportunity to share stories of the places and people who make travel truly so special.”
“I’m incredibly proud to represent a destination like Martin County, where sustainability, creativity, and genuine connection are at the heart of everything our small-but-mighty team achieves. I’m forever grateful to the mentors, colleagues, partners, and loved ones who continue to inspire and support me. This recognition motivates me to keep championing responsible travel and the innovative storytelling that makes a lasting, positive impact on both visitors and the communities they explore.”
Industry References
“It is my distinct pleasure to recommend Ian Centrone for inclusion in the TravelPulse 40 Under 40 list,” said Nerissa Okiye, Tourism Director at Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing. “As the Deputy Tourism Director for the Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing, Ian has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and dedication to advancing our destination and the broader travel industry.
“Since joining our team, Ian has played a pivotal role in shaping and executing award-winning public relations and marketing campaigns that have elevated Martin County’s visibility on both national and international stages. His strategic thinking and innovative approach have resulted in numerous accolades from leading industry organizations, including Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI), Visit Florida, PRNews, the U.S. Travel Association, the Southeast Tourism Society (STS), the Public Relations Society of America, Travel Weekly, and the International Business Awards, to name a few.
“Ian brings a unique perspective to our field, thanks to his diverse background in luxury hospitality marketing and his experience as a freelance travel journalist and photographer. His ability to blend compelling storytelling with data-driven strategies has been instrumental in the success of signature initiatives like our Explore Natural Martin ecotourism program developed in partnership with Leave No Trace.
“What truly sets Ian apart is his natural leadership and collaborative spirit. He has an innate ability to rally stakeholders, inspire colleagues, and drive results, whether navigating crisis communications during the pandemic, launching creative content initiatives, hosting a group of visiting journalists, or fostering partnerships that benefit both our community and our visitors. He also represents our region as a board member for the Southeast Tourism Society, helping to champion advocacy, education, and innovation throughout the Southeast region.
“Ian is not only an asset to our organization but a rising leader in the tourism industry. I wholeheartedly support his nomination for TravelPulse’s 40 Under 40 and am confident that he will continue to make meaningful contributions to the future of travel,” finished Okiye.
“It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Ian Centrone for inclusion in the TravelPulse 40 Under 40 list,” said Nancy K. Turrell, Executive Director, MartinArts. “As Executive Director of MartinArts, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Ian in various capacities over the years. I can confidently say that he is not only an outstanding tourism professional, but also a proven community leader and passionate advocate for the arts, culture, and heritage that make Martin County truly unique.
“In his role as Deputy Tourism Director for the Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing, Ian has been an invaluable partner in elevating our arts community. His support helped our signature event, ArtsFest, earn regional acclaim as one of the “Signature Events of the Southeast,” designated by the Southeast Tourism Society. He also volunteers his time with ArtsFest annually with promotional efforts and hands-on support during the event.
“Additionally, Ian helped create and execute the Hidden Turtles Scavenger Hunt, a playful and effective program that builds excitement in the lead-up to ArtsFest each year. Launched in 2021, the program won the ESTO Destiny Award in the “Destination and Product Development” category, presented by the U.S. Travel Association. Since then, the engaging scavenger hunt has become a cherished annual tradition for visitors and residents alike…
“What distinguishes Ian is his genuine investment in the success of our community. A graduate of Jensen Beach High School and alumni of the award-winning LEADERship Martin County program, he continually gives back through involvement in various causes, such as volunteering with Keep Martin Beautiful and serving on the Stuart Air Show marketing committee, offering his talents to enhance events that enrich the lives of both residents and visitors. Ian brings integrity, creativity, and vision to everything he does. His work bridges tourism and community development in meaningful ways, and he exemplifies the next generation of leaders who are shaping the future of travel. I wholeheartedly support his nomination and believe he would be a deserving addition to the TravelPulse 40 Under 40 list,” finished Turrell.
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