The Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) introduced Rebecca Blankenbaker as the winner of the 2018 Rising Star award during its Annual Membership Meeting Jan. 23 in Lafayette.

The Rising Star award is presented to an up-and-coming young professional in the tourism industry who has demonstrated qualities of leadership, entrepreneurship and creativity.

“I consider myself lucky to have the opportunity to work in an industry that I love, and I am honored to be recognized by the Louisiana Travel Association with the 2018 Rising Star award,” said Rebecca Blankenbaker, Director of Communications of the Cane River National Heritage Area.

“Partnerships are key to any success in the tourism world, and I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful “family” of colleagues throughout the region who share my passion for heritage tourism. It’s best to simply express my appreciation with a sincere and profound thank you,” continued Blankenbaker.

In addition, Blankenbaker celebrated her graduation from the Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy (LTLA) at the association’s 2018 Annual Membership Meeting in Lafayette.

The 18 members of the LTLA class spent all of 2017 developing their leadership skills while learning from seasoned professionals from throughout the tourism industry. The goal of the program is to equip each class member with knowledge and skills that will enrich their tourism-related organizations, therefore strengthening the state-wide tourism industry.

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to learn so much from established leaders in the tourism industry, and I look forward to continuing to showcase Natchitoches and the Cane River National Heritage Area to the rest of the world,” remarked Blankenbaker.

The graduating class of LTLA also includes: Marica Brewster, with Von Mack Agency; Alvon Brumfield, with Louisiana Renaissance Festival; Kimberly Caldarera, with L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles; Megan Gavlick, with L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles; Katherine Johnson, with Natchitoches CVB; Zondra Jones, with St. Tammany Parish Tourist Commission; Leslie Landeche, with Mardi Gras World; Barry Landry, with Louisiana Office of Tourism; Shanna Landry, with Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB; Kaylie Leblanc, with Lafayette CVC; Angie Manning, with Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB; Joshua McNemar, with Office of the Lt. Governor; Jessica Ragusa, with Office of the Lt. Governor; Madeline Sanchez, with Louisiana Travel Association; Timika Spurlock, with Sheraton New Orleans; Stella Thorton, with Louisiana Tax Free Shopping; and Kellie Walters, with Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou.

“LTLA has been a tremendous opportunity for those interested in learning more about Louisiana’s tourism industry, and we are proud of the 2017 graduating class,” said Jill Kidder, LTA President and CEO. “It is our hope that these professionals will utilize their new-found knowledge and experience to better themselves, their organizations and their state.”