Wilkes Tourism Director completes Travel Marketing program

WILKESBORO — Wilkes County Tourism Development Authority Director Thomas Salley has successfully completed the Southeast Tourism Society’s (STS) Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) program. Salley was recognized at STS’s annual Connections Conference, held in Auburn, Alabama, where he joined 81 other tourism professionals in earning the prestigious certification. Salley also serves on the STS Board of Directors as Chairman of the Networking Committee.

The TMP certification is awarded after completing a three-year program at STS’s Marketing College, which is held at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. The program provides participants with intensive training on destination branding, strategic partnerships, and tourism product development, among other topics. Since its founding in 1992, STS has certified nearly 1,500 TMPs, making the program one of the leading professional development opportunities for tourism leaders in the southeastern United States.

“I am proud to have completed this journey with the Southeast Tourism Society,” said Salley. “The knowledge I’ve gained through this program will allow me to enhance our marketing efforts in Wilkes County and continue to promote the region as a must-visit destination.”

STS President and CEO Monica Smith praised the graduates, noting, “Our Marketing College provides students with hands-on skills that can be immediately applied in their communities. Graduates like Thomas Salley demonstrate a commitment to elevating the travel and tourism industry.”

The Wilkes County Tourism Development Authority looks forward to utilizing Salley’s expertise to further grow its tourism programs, benefiting both residents and visitors.

For more information on the Wilkes County Tourism Development Authority and its initiatives, visit www.wilkescountytourism.com