Rhonda Salisbury honored with a major tourism award

Visit Yosemite | Madera County CEO Rhonda Salisbury is a recent recipient of the prestigious Brad Burlingame Award for Excellence in Tourism Leadership and Advocacy at the Cal- Travel Summit on Sept. 1.

CalTravel celebrated the top talent in the travel and tourism industry across the state at the annual Summit, held Aug. 31- Sept. 2 at the Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa.

The annual CalTravel Awards recognize extraordinary achievement by top leaders in the travel and tourism industry in several categories.

“The CalTravel Awards celebrate the heroes of our industry, inspiring each of us by setting an example of excellence, service and outstanding accomplishments,” said Barbara Newton, CalTravel president and CEO.

“We are thrilled to be represented by these leaders who are role models and champions for the rest of the tourism industry.”

Salisbury is the recipient of the Brad Burlingame Award, which recognizes a member individual or organization who has elevated travel and tourism advocacy in California by setting an example of commitment, generosity and effectiveness.

Salisbury has spent nearly four decades helping shape the visitor economy of the Yosemite region through destination marketing, hospitality management, tourism advocacy and community leadership.

“In December of 1986 I was putting together a puzzle of Yosemite Valley, of course,” Salisbury told the gathered supporters at the event.

“I was gluing it to newspaper because that’s how you got artwork when you were poor and 21. And I saw an ad for a job as the executive secretary at The Pines Resort at Bass Lake. And that’s what started my tourism career 40 years ago.”

Known for her collaborative style, Salisbury has worked with media, tourism professionals and community stakeholders to advocate for sustainable visitation and economic development in gateway communities surrounding Yosemite National Park.

Her leadership has helped guide the region through significant events including wildfires, park reservation system changes, government shutdowns and evolving visitor management strategies.

“Under her leadership, Visit Yosemite | Madera County became a modern destination brand, one that champions Yosemite’s southern gateway while elevating the full richness of Madera County,” read the voiceover in a short video prepared for the occasion.

“From Oakhurst to Bass Lake, from outdoor recreation to arts, culture and community, Rhonda has been a steady, practical and trusted voice — and that is what the Brad Burlingame Award celebrates: commitment, generosity and effectiveness and Rhonda has lived those values throughout her career.”

CalTravel noted Salisbury has mentored teens, supported peers, served on boards and committees, advocated for world vision and championed sustainability and responsible recreation, economic vitality and the longterm health of California tourism.

“And she has done it all with heart, humor and with a glass of wine nearby when appropriate. Rhonda is not just respected in this industry; she is loved. As Rhonda prepares for retirement and a well-deserved new chapter with her husband David, her adorable grandson and the freedom to travel and do whatever they want, California tourism pauses to say thank you.”

After a long and successful career in the tourism industry, Salisbury has announced her plans to retire this December.

The Visit Yosemite | Madera County CEO offered her thanks and appreciation to those present, the industry and her team, including Lanie Suderman and Steve Montalto, who were in attendance at the summit.

“You are all amazing and it’s been a pleasure working with you.”

Before leaving the stage, Salisbury received a standing ovation from her peers.

California Travel Association (CalTravel)

The annual CalTravel Summit is a premier educational conference where more than 400 travel and tourism leaders come together for three days of compelling speakers, interactive breakout sessions and unique networking opportunities all geared towards helping attendees grow as effective advocates, leaders and professionals.

The California Travel Association (CalTravel) is the influential, unified advocacy voice for the travel and tourism industry in California. It protects and advances the interests and investments of California’s travel industry through advocacy, collaboration and education.