Upcoming Trainings

 

 

Best Practices in Global Development by American Tours International (ATI)
Wednesday, September 16
9AM

ATI is the largest American-owned inbound receptive tour operator in the United States selling escorted tours, FIT, incentive travel and more, reaching more than 70 markets with state-of-the-art booking technology. Lisa Camardella, vice president of ATI East, knows New England exceptionally well and will present an arrivals update and how successful relationships work between hotels, attractions, and destinations and inbound operators including ATI.

Presented by:

Lisa Camardella has been an integral part of the AmericanTours International (ATI) team for an incredible 39 years, bringing nearly four decades of experience and industry knowledge to her role.

Lisa specializes in hotel contracting for the Northeast region, with a particular focus on Massachusetts. Over the years, she has developed strong and lasting relationships with hotel partners throughout the region and has extensive knowledge of the properties, destinations, and markets that are important to ATI’s programs.

Her years of experience have given her a unique understanding of the hotel contracting process, from negotiating rates and terms to developing strong partnerships with suppliers. Lisa’s dedication, expertise, and long-standing relationships have made her a valuable member of the ATI Product team and a trusted partner to our hotel partners.

 Lisa Camardella
Sandra Spires is a travel and hospitality professional with more than 25 years of experience across product development, contracting, supplier management, reservations, and operations. She currently serves as a Product Manager at AmericanTours International, where she manages hotel, transportation, attraction, and sightseeing products across the U.S. and Canada.

Throughout her career, Sandra has developed strong expertise in building supplier partnerships, negotiating contracts and rates, developing travel products, and collaborating across sales, operations, reservations, and commercial teams.

Her experience on both the operational and product sides of the travel industry gives her a well-rounded perspective on creating quality experiences while balancing client needs, supplier relationships, and business objectives. Sandra is fluent in English and Spanish and is passionate about travel, industry relationships, and creating products that deliver value for both partners and travelers.

 Sandra Spires Image

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Destinations International hosts

Virtual Advocacy Day –  How to create a new Destination Marketing Organization

Free – all day virtual event September 16, 2026
8AM – 5PM

On Sept 16, Destinations International will be hosting an all day, virtual event from 8am – 5pm geared totally towards newly developed destination organizations as part of their 2026 Virtual Advocacy Day.

The program includes:

  • 5-year road map available to download calling out key milestones that each organization should design their progress around.
  • Information on hiring their first ever Executive Director/President/CEO, produced by Searchwide.
  • Information on building a plan for funding support, produced by Civitas
  • Numerous tool kits and work books that our team has done to support conversations around the value of destination organizations, community alignment, and of course, a track for DMAP.

General Support Website: 2026 Virtual Advocacy Day | Destinations International

Registration Link: https://registration.crowdcomms.com/advocacydays26/register

 

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