Governor Otter Appoints New Member to Idaho Travel Council

3/8/2013

Idaho Travel Council (ITC) advises the Director of Idaho Commerce on tourism policy and grant awards  

 BOISE, Idaho—Friday, March 8, 2013—Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter has appointed Jim Manion to serve as the Region III representative on the Idaho Travel Council (ITC).  Mr. Manion was appointed to replace John May, general manager of the Owyhee Plaza Hotel, who served for two three-year terms.   

Mr. Manion lives in Boise and has an impressive business resume focused on the travel and tourism industry.  Since 1992 he has been the president of AAA Idaho since, the largest publisher of travel related materials in the world and largest travel agency network in the United States.  While working at AAA, he served as president of Skal, an international organization that advances the travel and tourism industry by connecting Skal members all over the world.  Mr. Manion now serves on the boards of Skal Idaho and the Boise Sunrise Rotary Club.  

“I’m honored to be appointed to the Idaho Travel Council.  I’m aware of the significant work the Council has done to promote travel and tourism in the state, and I’m excited to be a part of that effort in the future,” said Mr. Manion.  

Mr. Manion served as president for two terms on the Idaho Society of Association Directors, and in 1997, the Association named him the Executive of the Year.  He also served as Chairman of the Western Conference of Association Directors and as a President of the Idaho Highway User Federation.  Mr. Manion graduated from Carroll College, located in Helena, MT, in 1973.  

“We are thrilled to have Mr. Manion, with his long history of experience in the tourism and travel industries, and passion for Idaho, join a dedicated group of professionals to serve on the Travel Council,” Idaho Commerce Director Jeffery Sayer said.  “Mr. Manion will be a tremendous asset to Region III in ensuring its tourism development priorities are achieved, and a great resource in moving our state’s economy forward.”  

The Idaho Travel Council's main purpose is to advise the Department of Commerce’s Division of Tourism.  The Council also awards grants to applicants of the Idaho Regional Travel and Convention Grant Program.  Additionally, Council members work closely with tourism organizations and businesses on viable marketing opportunities, and represent their interests to state government.  

The Council consists of eight members, appointed by the Governor, with one member appointed from each of Idaho’s seven tourism development regions and one member appointed at-large.  

For a full list of Idaho Travel Council members, click here.

News tag(s): Business Travel Tourism "Idaho Travel Council"