HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — The Holland Area Visitors Bureau has announced via email to media the departure of Sally Laukitis, the Bureau’s executive director.
Laukitis has served the Holland area tourism industry (and the state) for more than two decades.
Her love of the industry began early in her career, as she traveled the world as an Eastern Airlines flight attendant, according to the statement. On returning to the U.S., Laukitis excelled in sales at the Holland Tulip Time office. She was selected to head up the newly formed Holland Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and has served as its Executive Director since it separated from Tulip Time in 1994. From its inception with a $169,000 budget, Laukitis grew the organization to a $2.2 million enterprise.
During her tenure, Laukitis worked with numerous committees at the state level including significant work with the award-winning Pure Michigan campaign. She was the founder of the Visitor Industry Planning Initiative, served as president of both the Michigan Association of Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan, and is the Chair of the Michigan Travel Commission. Laukitis also has been honored as the CVB Director of the Year at the Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
“Sally leaves a strong legacy after building our organization over the years. Her talent and energy promoting the Holland area as a destination provides a strong foundation moving forward,” shared Bill Grimes, president of the bureau’s board of directors.
Linda Hart has been appointed as the interim director of the Visitors Bureau, effective immediately. Hart has served as the Bureau’s community outreach coordinator for the past 6 years. She is an expert in hospitality training and serves on boards for Tulip Time, America in Bloom, and Green Commute.
