Travel Marquette CEO honored internationally

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – Travel Marquette CEO Susan Estler has been recognized as a ‘Top 25 Extraordinary Mind’ for 2024. This came from the group ‘Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International’ (HSMAI).

The list recognizes exemplary achievement and leadership in hospitality sales, marketing revenue optimization and distribution. Estler has been working in tourism and marketing since 2001. She’s been serving as CEO of Travel Marquette since 2018. Estler says getting this recognition is humbling.

“I’m just thrilled to be receiving the award,” Estler said. “I think it’s wonderful and I’m very appreciative. It’s an award that colleagues have received in the past. I feel very humbled to be receiving the award.”

In a statement, the President and CEO of the HSMAI says, “These outstanding professionals, through their creativity, dedication, and commercial acumen, have not only excelled in their domains but have also set new standards of excellence for the industry, inspiring us all.”

Estler says she plans to continue to work to support the signature events in the Marquette area and promote tourism.

“We certainly appreciate all of the wonderful events that we have here,” Estler said. “Especially the UP200, Noquemanon, Hiekki Lunta, all of that, just being aware of what’s going on and looking at ways that we can be creative as far as our marketing.”

Estler will be honored with the rest of the top 25 at a reception in New York City February 18, right after the UP200.

Copyright 2025 WLUC. All rights reserved.