Bon Bini, Welcome 

A Tourism & Lifestyle Blog

Born on the Caribbean island of Aruba, the most tourism-dependent economy in the world, and now residing in the Hudson Valley, where country roads lead to fresh farm stands and historic landmarks.  I am a unique Dutch American, raised between small island beaches and a sprawling apple farm.  From a young age, I was taught the value of a visitor and the true impact tourism can have to support an entire community and economy.    Award-winning destination marketing strategist, wife, working mom of teens, multilingual, passionate tourism, and lifestyle blogger. Today my family calls both places home.

What started as a pursuit of my passion for cooking and becoming a chef, has led me on a journey in various roles throughout the tourism industry. Years later, that path has led me to become an expert in digital marketing and a die-hard destination marketing strategist.   My toolbox is diverse, and my experience runs the full gamut from hotels, restaurants, convention centers, transportation, destination management, retail, tour operator receptive, nonprofit, and other small business. As a multilingual communicator raised in the tourism industry, I write about the positive benefits the hospitality and tourism industries have in our economies and communities and openly share my marketing expertise and my life experiences on my blog. 

Increasing visitor arrivals, driving hotel occupancy, increasing attendance to events, attractions, municipalities, towns, restaurants, and storefronts…this is what I love to do, and do exceptionally well. My direct relationships with visitors and guests, stakeholder, and business partners, understanding every connection and interaction, gives me a deep understanding of a holistic customer experience.  

I have a proven track record in leading teams to implement strategies with high impact across all marketing disciplines increasing visitor arrivals and tourism spending.  My work has been recognized and awarded for innovation, efficacy, and creativity with industry accolades including The National Tourism Award for Young Tourism Professional of the Year, multiple prestigious Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association (HSMAI) Platinum Adrian Awards, multiple Travel Weekly Magellan Awards, and Travvy awards, to name a few.

                     I’m at my happiest helping others and to me, that’s what destination marketing is all about.