Power Of Tourism
Inaugural Power of Tourism and Hospitality Awards Luncheon
Thursday, May 9th 11:00am to 1:30pm
Parkview Mirro Center for Research & Innovation
Join us for an incredible program, outstanding awards, and delicious lunch as we celebrate the Power of Tourism.
Keynote Speaker
In support of the growth of accessible and inclusive travel in Fort Wayne, Visit Fort Wayne has invited John Morris, an accessible travel expert and WheelchairTravel.org founder to be the keynote speaker at the Power of Tourism event in 2024.
John Morris is an accessibility consultant with extensive experience in the travel and tourism industries. In 2015, he founded WheelchairTravel.org, a hub of resources and information for disabled travelers that is now the world’s largest accessible travel website. His Wheelchair Travel Newsletter is among the top 10 travel publications on Substack.
Through his Accessible Development Group consultancy, Morris completes accessibility assessments and advises corporations, non-profit organizations, and destination marketing organizations in the strategic development of accessible products, programs, and services. His clients have included Honda Motor Co., Loews Hotels, Meet Boston, MMGY Global, United Nations Development Programme, Winnebago Industries and others.
Known for traveling the world with one hand, a passport, and his power wheelchair, he has become one of the leading advocates for accessibility and inclusion within the travel industry. He serves on the board of directors of LAMN and the advisory boards of TravelAbility, ADAPTS LLC, and 360 Access.
Morris is a graduate of Florida State University (B.S./M.S.) and the University of Florida (MBA) and currently resides in Boston, Massachusetts.
Hospitality Awards
The tourism industry in Allen County generates $113 million in state and local tax revenue annually. It is a powerful economic wealth generator that saves every household in Allen County $742 in taxes each year. We need to recognize the power of this industry. But this industry wouldn’t exist without the hardworking people who serve our 8.8 million visitors each year.
In celebration of their efforts, we are awarding five distinctive awards: Rising Star, Power of Tourism, Service Excellence, Hospitality Leadership, and Diversity Champion.
Presented by
