Colorado Springs, Colorado, October 25, 2010 � Doug P. Price, an executive with more than 30 years experience in hotel and travel sales, marketing and coaching, was named today to become the new President & CEO of Experience Colorado Springs, the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB).

Price currently serves as Senior Vice President for Professional Development at Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), the world�s largest association of destination marketing organizations (DMOs), in Washington, D.C. He worked for many years with Marriott International, including positions as Director of Sales Training & Development, Vice President of National Employment Marketing and sales positions with various Marriott properties. Price is also a recognized public speaker in the travel industry and author of three books on the subjects of change management, creating exceptional customer service and high-touch selling in a high-tech environment.

Current CVB CEO, Terry Sullivan, had announced earlier this year that he will retire on December 31, 2010, after 20 years of service to the CVB. Price will begin his new position in January 2011.

�My wife Kathy and I are very excited to move to Colorado Springs,� said Price. �We have visited in the past and have found people extremely friendly. The region has a rich tradition of tourism, and I am humbled to follow a respected leader like Terry Sullivan.� 

 �The Board of Experience Colorado Springs was thrilled to find someone of Doug�s caliber,� said CVB Board Chair Susan Edmondson. �Doug has worked closely with the best and brightest in the industry, and he is the ideal choice to move the CVB forward. He is a strategic thinker with a keen mind for sales, and he truly embraces the Pikes Peak region and its many assets.�

�Doug has been an exceptional member of the DMAI team for over seven years,� said Michael Gehrisch, President & CEO of DMAI. �His long list of valuable contributions includes numerous professional development products such as Sales Academy, License to Serve and DMAI�s new online webinar series, in addition to playing a key role in establishing DMAI�s performance reporting standards and the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program.  In his new post, Doug�s expert understanding of the DMO industry and the depth of his industry experience will be put to work for a great destination.�

Price earned his degree in hospitality management from Florida International University. He and his wife, Kathy, have two adult children; Kathy works for Visit Fairfax, the official CVB for Fairfax County, Virginia.

Experience Colorado Springs is the leading marketing organization for group travel and tourism to Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region. We are dedicated to a strong national and international presence so that tourism is a primary contributor to a thriving local economy. We maintain a visible presence as a community leader so that our industry members grow and prosper.