NATCHEZ — Visit Natchez Director of Sales Lynsey Smith was recently featured in American Bus Association’s magazine Destinations as one of the seven industry leaders to watch.

“ABA is excited to see a new wave of leaders coming into our industry,” ABA President and CEO Peter Pantuso said in the article that highlights up-and-coming leaders in the motorcoach travel and tourism industry, “Their insights, problem solving skills, fresh ways of thinking and bringing concepts and ideas forward is refreshing, as they represent the way their new customers view the world.”

“(These leaders) are paving the way for the next generations of motorcoach tour and travel leaders,” Pantuso said.

In January, Smith finished her Certified Travel Industry Specialist (CTIS) certification — a designation that is highly regarded in the tourism industry.

“It is not only a huge accolade for me, but also for Natchez as the only CVB and destination on the list,” Smith said.

Since its inception, 821 members have successful completed the program.