WALTON COUNTY TOURISM DEPARTMENT'S DIRECTOR RECEIVES TOP ACCREDITATION

Walton County, Fla. — June 29, 2023 — The Walton County Tourism Department is proud to announce Tourism Director Matt Algarin has earned his accreditation as a Certified Destination Management Executive.

"Earning my Certified Destination Management Executive credential is incredibly rewarding," said Algarin. "Going through this educational program has given me valuable knowledge and experience as we look for ways to best manage our destination, and how we can best support our community." 

Tourism Director Matt Algarin

The CDME credential, awarded through Destinations International, is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement and prepares senior executives to thrive in a constantly changing environment. The program focuses on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies. 

Algarin has been with the organization since 2017 and served as the department’s director of communications before his promotion to tourism director in 2022. Prior to joining the Walton County Tourism Department, Algarin worked in the magazine and newspaper industries, serving as the editor of The Destin Log and The Walton Sun.

Algarin earned a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from the University of West Florida and a master’s degree in new media journalism from Full Sail University.

To learn more about the Walton County Tourism Department and its mission, visit www.visitsouthwalton.com