Dr. Maree Forbes Gaughan is a visionary in tourism and economic development. She brings over 35 years of rich expertise to her latest pioneering work, Tourism: Economic Development for Every Size Community. The guide exemplifies her profound understanding and experience, encompassing virtually every travel industry segment. Her journey includes a transformative three-year tenure as the head of a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), where she gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of budget management, marketing strategies, and frontline operations. Her decades-long consultancy efforts have dynamically impacted diverse clients, including Economic Development Organizations, Scenic Byway Organizations, State Tourism Offices, and other key stakeholders in the tourism sector.
She is also proud to enlighten future leaders as a Professor of Destination Management and Marketing at Temple University within the Masters of Travel and Tourism program. A prolific writer, she has penned several influential books, articles, white papers, and research summaries that focus on the economic impact of tourism, cutting-edge marketing strategies, and agile strategic planning for sustainable organizational growth. Celebrated for her ability to weave compelling narratives and visuals that captivate and attract tourists worldwide, Dr. Forbes Gaughan provides a beacon of inspiration in her field. Her work continues to pave the way for sustainable, inclusive growth in communities through the power of travel and tourism.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts, Summa Cum Laude, University of Wisconsin
- Master of Arts, Art and Architectural History, Summa Cum Laude, University of Wisconsin
- Doctor of Philosophy, Environmental Planning, The Union
- Master of Business Administration (thesis remaining), Taft University
- Certificate of Digital Marketing, University of Illinois-Champaign
- Certificate of Digital Advertising, University of Colorado-Boulder
- Certificate of Management Consulting, Emory University
- Certificate of Strategic Leadership, Dartmouth College
