This month, NBTA joins the travel industry in mourning the loss of industry expert and dear friend Stevan Porter, President of the Americas for InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). Porter, 53, was hospitalized in July with a reoccurrence of cancer and passed away August 7 at his home in La Canada, California.
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Rep. Nancy Pelosi (left), Stevan Porter (center), Bill Connors (right) |
NBTA receives the news of Porter’s passing with great sadness, but will continue to remember his character with fondness and his legacy with honor and appreciation.
“Steve was a great ambassador for the hospitality business, as he was one of the warmest and most welcoming industry leaders of our day,” says Bill Connors, NBTA Executive Director and COO. “His passion for the travel industry will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, and the many whose lives and careers he positively impacted.”
As chairman of the Discover America Partnership, Porter worked to strengthen the image of the United States around the globe. He believed that public diplomacy is not the sole responsibility of government, but also of business and the American people—America’s greatest ambassadors.
NBTA shares Porter’s commitment to enhancing the global travel community and will continue to follow his lead in working to keep America’s doors open for visitors and business. We will remember his efforts as our organization continues to grow internationally, and we will look to the examples he has set for globalizing our industry.
As a leader on various other boards and associations, including Vice Chairman of the Travel Business Roundtable and immediate past Chairman of the American Hotel & Lodging Association Government Affairs Committee, Porter’s absence will be felt among many members of the industry.
“The NBTA family and everyone in the travel industry will unite in honoring a great man and a warm soul,” says Connors. “Our sincere sympathies go out to Steve's family and friends.”
In remembrance of Steve Porter, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Please visit his personal page to see how he strived to improve the lives of those still battling cancer.
Return to Connecting News August 2008