NEWS

Savannah recently welcomed more than 300 tourism industry leaders for the 2025 Destinations International CEO Summit. Presidents and CEOs from across the country—and a few international destinations—gathered to exchange best practices in tourism marketing, leadership, and destination development.

Visit Savannah President and CEO Joseph Marinelli, along with Visit Palm Springs CEO Scott White, served as co-chairs of this year’s planning committee. Together, they helped weave uniquely Savannah experiences into every aspect of the event, giving attendees a true taste of the city’s charm.

Special guests included Savannah Mayor Van Johnson and keynote speaker Richard Kessler, CEO of the Kessler Collection. Kessler shared his “secret sauce” for successful leadership and hotel development: strong relationships with elected officials, a talented team, and a deep passion for the community. Alongside architect Christian Sottile, he walked attendees through the transformation of Plant Riverside District and the JW Marriott—an inspiring case study in revitalization through vision and collaboration.

Jared Orton, President and General Manager of Savannah Bananas, closed the summit with an energetic presentation on the phenomenon of “Banana Ball.” His insights into cultivating a culture of innovation, fun, and growth—particularly among young professionals—inspired and energized attendees.

From thought-provoking sessions to unforgettable Savannah hospitality, the 2025 CEO Summit proved to be a meaningful and memorable gathering for industry leaders from around the globe.