US Travel to Induct Elliott Ferguson, Peter Herschend Into Travel Industry's Hall of Leaders

by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 1:30 PM ET, Tue September 26, 2023

The U.S. Travel Association has announced that Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC, and Peter F. Herschend, co-founder of Herschend Enterprises, will be honored as the 2023 inductees into the organization's Hall of Leaders this fall.

U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders inductees are recognized for "sustained, noteworthy contributions" that positively impact the travel industry and raise industry-wide standards, according to U.S. Travel.

Former U.S. Travel President and CEO Roger Dow was the 2022 U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders honoree. All three men will be honored by the U.S. Travel board of directors at a dinner in Washington, D.C. on November 15.

"Elliott and Peter each have created a lasting impact across the travel industry while successfully leading organizations that better the communities they serve," U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman said in a statement. "We are proud that both will receive U.S. Travel's highest honor this year in recognition of their invaluable contributions to strengthening travel."

Ferguson has led Destination DC's work to generate economic development through tourism since 2009 and also gives back to local youth through Destination DC's affiliated nonprofit, the American Experience Foundation. Additionally, the industry veteran holds positions on the Executive Board of U.S. Travel and the Board of Brand USA and serves as chair of Event Leaders 100.

"Through his leadership and tireless dedication, Elliott Ferguson has elevated Washington, DC, as a top travel and tourism destination and helped create jobs and opportunity for DC," said DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. "Elliott has helped tell our story and share with the world what we already know: that Washington, DC, is the greatest city in the world. There is only one DC and only one Elliott Ferguson."

Peter F. Herschend, co-founder of Herschend Enterprises

Herschend was an early proponent of what would become Brand USA and was instrumental in the development of key infrastructure projects throughout Missouri. He also founded the Ozarks Water Watch and the Upper White River Basin Foundation and has served on the Missouri Board of Education for more than three decades.

"Peter is a true champion of Missouri who always works to do right by our state and people. Whenever our state is in need, he puts politics aside and always comes to the table with ideas, optimism and a level of persistence that is rarely seen in others," Missouri Governor Michael L. Parson said of Herschend.

"Peter's family has prospered thanks to his deep faith and plain-spoken wisdom, and in turn, our state has prospered thanks to his vision, patience and support for good people and causes."