Visit Sarasota County’s Former President Inducted into Global Hall of Fame

SARASOTA, Fla. – (July 22, 2026) – Virginia J. Haley, CDME, former President of Visit Sarasota County (VSC), was inducted into Destinations International’s Hall of Fame, the global association for destination professionals’ highest honor, at its Annual Convention in Portland, Oregon, this week. Since the Hall of Fame Awards were created in 2014, Destinations International has recognized more than 50 pioneers whose contributions have advanced the tourism industry worldwide. Haley now joins an esteemed group of industry leaders whose work has shaped travel promotion and destination stewardship.  

During her 24-year tenure as President of VSC, Haley guided the destination through a period of unprecedented growth and national recognition. Under her leadership, Sarasota County evolved into one of the fastest-growing tourism markets in the United States, while tourism revenues, visitation, and destination awareness reached record levels. Haley began her career with VSC at a time when the Tourist Development Tax generated $5.4 million annually; at the end of her tenure, the tax generated $40 million annually. Haley retired in September 2023.  

"There are few people who leave a mark on an industry the way Virginia has in tourism and, by extension, our destination," said Erin Duggan, President and CEO of Visit Sarasota County. "On a personal level, I have learned from her as both a leader and a mentor, and I know I’m far from alone in that experience. Her impact extends beyond the years she served as president and this honor is well earned." 

Among her many accomplishments, Haley helped launch innovative tourism initiatives, strengthened Sarasota County's cultural and sports tourism assets, and played a pivotal role in community-transforming projects such as The Bay. Haley was also a prominent figure in the tourism industry on a state and national level, spearheaded VSC’s effort to earn international accreditation and, subsequently, chaired Destination International’s global Destination Management Accreditation Program (DMAP) for DMOs. She also chaired Destinations Florida and the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors. 

Haley and the three other 2026 honorees—Jack Berry, Former President & CEO, Visit Richmond VA, Tracy Kimberlin, CDME, Former President & CEO, Visit Springfield, and Ernest Wooden, Jr., Former President & CEO, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board—were officially recognized during Destinations International’s Annual Convention on July 21, 2026, in Portland, Oregon.  

To learn more about Destination International’s Hall of Fame, visit https://destinationsinternational.org/hall-fame  

About Visit Sarasota County 
Visit Sarasota County (VSC) is the official tourism marketing entity and primary provider of visitor information for Sarasota County where tourism is the top industry. Through programs and partnerships, VSC makes Sarasota County a better place by promoting our community on the world stage. These efforts bring together over 450 partners to keep visitors coming, local businesses open and residents employed all year. VSC is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program, a program of the Destination Management Association International (DMAI). To learn more, visit www.visitsarasota.com.  
 

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