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SARASOTA, Fla. (April 11, 2019) – Visit Sarasota County (VSC) is thrilled to announce that Enriqueta Balandra has been named one of Destinations International’s (DI), 30 Under 30 recipients. A Sarasota native, and VSC’s Project Manager, Balandra will have the opportunity to engage with DI, a leading tourism industry organization, in professional development opportunities throughout 2019 and beyond. The honorees originate from a variety of destination organizations of all sizes and countries, and Balandra was one of only two Floridians selected. “We are excited that Enriqueta has been selected for this free, prestigious professional development program, and know she will represent Sarasota County well throughout the various DI 30 Under 30 opportunities,” said Virginia Haley, VSC President. “She was recently promoted to Project Manager, increasing her responsibilities at VSC, and now she can continue to build her acumen in the tourism industry to be a greater asset and marketing professional for Sarasota County.” The DI 30 Under 30 program helps further develop the tourism industry’s leaders of tomorrow. Benefits include: • Honorees will receive complimentary registration and three nights' hotel accommodations during Destinations International's 2019 Annual Convention. • Recognition on stage and throughout the 2019 Annual Convention in St. Louis, MO, July 23-25, 2019. • Complimentary registration for Fundamentals in Destination Marketing, the first course of Destinations International's PDM program. • Year-round professional development focus, including regular interactive webinars and an online community to share ideas. • Opportunity to apply to attend the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux's Annual Conference. “The 30 Under 30 program remains critical to our organization’s vision and mission,” said Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International. “The future of the travel and tourism industry remains dependent on today’s young professionals and the Foundation continually invests in the leaders of tomorrow through professional development and mentorship opportunities. We look forward to connecting with the 30 future leaders at this year’s Annual Convention, throughout 2019 and their careers.” Enriqueta was born and raised in Sarasota County and jumped at the chance to market and share her hometown with the world through VSC and DI. Since starting in 2017, she has been promoted from Project Coordinator to Project Manager changing her responsibilities to help manage advertising efforts. Balandra stays involved in the local community and currently serves as Director of Special Events for the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA). Recently she earned an FPRA Image Award on behalf of VSC for the promotion Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week in 2018. About Destinations International Destinations International is a leading organization in the tourism industry serving destination marketing professionals with the goal of helping members such as VSC drive economic impact, job creation, community sustainability and quality of life through travel. For more information about the 30 Under 30 program or Destinations International, visit www.destinationsinternational.org. About Sarasota County Visit Sarasota County leads and supports the tourism industry in Sarasota County by providing the highest quality, and most innovative, marketing programs and promotions to ensure the continued growth of tourism and travel from visitors around the world. It is the mission of VSC is to make Sarasota County the must experience destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast. To learn more, visit www.visitsarasota.com. For more information please Contact Britney Guertin Contact Email: bguertin@visitsarasota.org Contact Phone Number: 9419550991