Mat-Su CVB President and CEO Bonnie Quill honored with international award

Last Friday, Destinations International announced Bonnie Quill, President & CEO of the Mat-Su CVB, as one of three winners of the Destination Organization Leadership Award, one of the most prestigious individual honors in the destination marketing industry.

The Destination Organization Leadership Award recognizes outstanding individuals who, through their work and achievements, have made a significant impact on the destination marketing (DMO) industry as well as a profound difference in their communities. Quill is the first Alaskan to win the award.

“I am extremely honored to receive this award, but more important to share this recognition with my Alaska DMO partners. Alaska is a collaboration of leaders who partner together to strengthen our destination. I have to acknowledge the many opportunities and leadership experience Alaska tourism has blessed me with,” Quill said.

Destinations International represents DMOs around the world and focuses on advocacy, leadership and education in the destination marketing industry.

The Mat-Su CVB promotes the Mat-Su Borough as a premier visitor destination using a efficient marketing strategy that includes working with the travel trade, national advertising, in-state promotion, working with travel media and digital marketing.

Quill has been with the bureau for 22 years, since February of 2000. In addition to leading the visitor bureau, Bonnie has held leadership positions on the Board of Directors for the Alaska Travel Industry Association, the Alaska State Fair, and helped found the Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway organization. Nationally, she has held leadership positions with the Destination Marketing Association of the West (DMA West) Board of Directors and the Destinations International Small DMO Task Force. In 2021, she earned the CDME Accreditation (Certified Destination Marketing Executive) from Destinations International. It is the tourism industry’s highest individual education achievement. The program focus is on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies in the destination marketing realm.