Texas Travel Alliance Honors Josie Lewis with 2024 Rising Star Award

Austin, TX – October 24, 2024 – The Texas Travel Alliance (TTA) is delighted to announce that Josie Lewis, Director of Sales for Visit The Woodlands, has been awarded the 2024 Rising Star Award. This prestigious accolade was presented at the Texas Travel Summit Awards Gala, recognizing Josie’s exceptional contributions and innovative approach to promoting tourism and supporting the travel industry.

Josie Lewis received the Texas Travel Alliance’s Rising Star Award at the 39th Annual Texas Travel Summit, held October 14-16, 2024 in Houston, TX, pictured with Erika Boyd, President & CEO, Texas Travel Alliance (left), and Nick Wolda (right).

Josie Lewis, a passionate sales professional with over a decade of experience, has been instrumental in expanding the group sales strategy for The Woodlands. Her innovative programs, such as the “Rest Well” medical hotel rate program and the “Show Your Badge” attendee discount program, have significantly increased the destination’s visibility and appeal. Josie’s leadership has also been pivotal in securing major events like the 2019 Rendezvous South tradeshow, the 2023 Connect Texas tradeshow, and the 2024 Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE) New Ideas Conference.

“Josie Lewis exemplifies the spirit of innovation and dedication that the Rising Star Award celebrates,” said Erika Boyd, President & CEO of the Texas Travel Alliance. “Her efforts have not only elevated The Woodlands as a premier destination but have also set a new standard for excellence in our industry. We are thrilled to honor her achievements and look forward to her continued success.”

Josie’s career in tourism began in Penang, Malaysia, where she witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of tourism on a destination. After earning a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston, she transitioned from hotel operations to sales, eventually joining Visit The Woodlands. Her contributions include increasing group tradeshow presence, implementing standardized follow-up procedures, and developing key sales programs that have enhanced the destination’s profile.

In addition to her professional achievements, Josie is actively involved in the industry, serving on the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Houston Area Chapter Board of Directors as Vice President of Finance. She has also been recognized with the Texas Trailblazer Award and has led numerous initiatives to support the tourism sector’s recovery and growth.

Outside of her professional life, Josie enjoys gardening, reading, and spending quality time with her family, including her 8-year-old son, Jackson, who inspires her in all aspects of her life.

TTA’s Annual Texas Travel Summit was held in Houston, October 14-16, 2024. Around 350 Travel Industry professionals from across the state attended the 39th annual conference.

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The Texas Travel Alliance is the voice of the travel and tourism industry in Texas. We advocate for policies that help our industry grow and thrive. We provide professional development opportunities to elevate our industry’s leaders. And we create connections that will help our members flourish and succeed. For more information about the Texas Travel Alliance: www.texastravelalliance.org.