Dan Quandt, Senior Vice President of the Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council is set to retire at the end of October 2019. Quandt has been instrumental in the development of the tourism industry in Amarillo since his start as Executive Director of the Amarillo CVC in 2013. During his seven years, Quandt has accomplished many personal, community and organizational achievements. A few of these achievements include:

Personal

2015, Quandt received the Gene Phillips Hospitality Award from the Texas Travel Counselors for continuing and enthusiastic support of the Texas Travel Industry reflecting the highest degree of professionalism, dedication and hospitality”.

 

2019, Quandt received the Texas Travel Industry Association’s Outstanding Legislative Advocate Award for his activities in the 86th Texas Legislative Session on behalf of the travel industry. 

 

2019, Rep. Four Price of Amarillo authored HR2010, saluting the Amarillo Convention and Visitor Council for its “invaluable support to the tourism industry and overall economic development in the Texas Panhandle”.   

Community.

 

Community

Since 2013, over 700 rooms have been added to Amarillo’s hotel inventory and overall occupancy has continued to strengthen.

Developed the local LEADers program, which encourages locals to get involved by sharing meeting leads for the Amarillo CVC to pursue.

Rebranded Amarillo as a modern, western destination helping to drive more tourism to the city.

Developed a partnership with the local Alzheimer’s Association West Texas Chapter to support those living with dementia in Amarillo and raise awareness for the disease.

Instrumental in building Amarillo as a meeting destination, working with developments like the Embassy Suites Amarillo Downtown.

Actively involved in the passage of HB1136, sponsored by Rep. Four Price, that gives all Texas cities the ability to form tourism public improvement districts.

Developed the Prime Service campaign that encourages locals to reward customer service representatives for providing excellent “prime” service.

Registered Amarillo’s first official cattle brand “AMA”.

Licensed the Amarillo boot logo for public use.

Organizational

2015, U.S. Travel Association’s ESTO Destination Council Destiny Award – Digital Campaign

2015, Content Marketing Awards Best Feature Design – Digital

Quandt has served and continues to serve on numerous local, state, regional and national boards and committees.

Quandt encouraged educational advancement and industry involvement for the Amarillo CVC staff. Staff accolades include:

    • Kashion Smith received a certification as a Texas Destination Marketer from the Texas Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus. Smith also graduated from the Texas Travel Industry Association Travel and Tourism College, achieving the status of Certified Tourism Executive. 
    • Stephanie Andrews received a certification as a Texas Destination Marketer from TACVB and is beginning her studies at the TTIA Travel and Tourism College. 
    • Hope Stokes received the TACVB Catalyst Award, of which only one person in the state receives each year. Stokes will receive a Texas Destination Marketer Certification from TACVB in 2020.
    • Ashley Gutierrez received a Texas Destination Marketer Certification from TACVB.

 

I deeply appreciate the support I have received for the past seven years”, Quandt reflected, “I truly love Amarillo and wish the City, the Chamber and all of you nothing but the best. October is my birthday month and my seven-year anniversary with the Amarillo CVC, probably a good time to move to the next chapter”.