Jun 25, 2019
About this episode:
Lori Harnois is the executive director of Discover New England, located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Her primary role is to increase tourism to the New England region from overseas markets. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism Planning and Development, with a minor in Sociology, from the University of New Hampshire.
Lori has 20 years of experience in the field of marketing, promotions and operations. Previously, she worked for the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development holding such roles as director and international marketing manager. In these roles, she was responsible for promoting New Hampshire as a domestic and international travel destination in order to increase visitation, travel expenditures, business activity and employment throughout the state. She also oversaw the NH Bureau of Visitor Services.
Lori is a past board member of the US Travel Association, a member of the Eastern State Exposition, and a member of the Granite State Ambassadors. She received the honor of New Hampshire’s 40 Under 40 in 2012.
In this episode:
3:11 – Lori explains how she went to college for tourism planning and development and held several internships before getting a job with the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism.
7:11 – Nancy asks Lori about different countries’ perceptions of New England.
10:48 – Lori shares how she would have liked to have studied abroad while she was in school.
13:06 – Lori describes how her boss suggested that she take a day to talk with locals and understand their interest when she first started traveling abroad.
16:59 – Lori shares how dealing with a smaller budget is an obstacle she has had to overcome by forming new relationships.
23:14 – Lori explains how Discover New England measures success by tracking results and working with Marshall Communications.
25:45 – Nancy asks Lori how she has built her network, to which Lori explains how her network has grown naturally.
29:02 – Nancy explains how building your network doesn't mean always taking but also involves giving.
31:38 – Lori explains how her network has helped to advance her career, including getting the job she has today.
33:07 – Lori recalls some advice she was given when she was 15 that would be helpful for someone starting their career.
36:36 – Lori provides resources that have helped her, including the book the Tipping Point and the North American Journeys inbound report.
38:23 – Lori shares a parting thought.
Quote:
" The best advice I could give you is to smile, and I think that I have taken that to heart. It sort of opens the door for people to approach you and get to know you." — Lori Harnois, Executive Director, Discover New England
Links:
Looking to connect:
Email: info@discovernewengland.org