Business of Travel

Description

Business of Travel is the professional digital home for Larry Woods, a 50-year veteran and "Lifetime Achievement" award winner in the Texas tourism and hospitality industry. After a storied career—including 17 years as the Director of Visit Boerne and decades spent turning around distressed hotel properties—Larry required a modern platform to transition his decades of expertise into a consulting and thought-leadership presence. I developed this site to serve as a high-authority hub where hospitality professionals and destination marketing organizations (DMOs) can connect with one of the industry's most respected mentors.

Building a Legacy Platform for an Industry Icon

The Challenge

Despite being a "go-to" resource for hotel management and destination marketing across the United States and Mexico, Larry Woods lacked a centralized digital presence that captured the full scope of his 56-year career. The goal was to build a professional "web presence" that highlighted his transition from a city official to an independent consultant, specifically focusing on his success in driving hotel occupancy tax (HOT) revenue and mentoring leaders in over 17 Texas cities.

The Solution

I designed and developed a site that prioritizes authority and narrative. The layout focuses on Larry’s "10 Lessons from a Legend" and his extensive background with major brands like Marriott, Radisson, and Sheraton. By using a modern, high-performance stack, I ensured the site remains lightning-fast and accessible for industry partners looking for strategic planning, budget development, and legislative awareness expertise. The design balances his professional accolades (like the Marion Szurek Leadership Award) with his personal connection to the Texas Hill Country.

The Outcome

The Business of Travel now stands as a premier consulting portal. It has successfully repositioned Larry from his public sector role to a private sector authority, providing a streamlined way for him to continue shaping the future of Texas tourism. The platform effectively showcases his "abundant world" philosophy, ensuring his legacy of mentorship and economic growth continues to reach the next generation of hospitality professionals.