GRAPEVINE, Texas—The Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has named Tara Hippensteel as its new leisure and international sales manager.
Hippensteel brings more than 25 years of experience in tourism and hospitality, with a background in trade sales, destination marketing, revenue growth, and partnership development. She will focus on expanding the CVB’s reach in international, leisure, and student travel markets.
“Grapevine has such a strong reputation as a welcoming and vibrant destination, and it’s easy to see why,” says Hippensteel. “From its rich heritage to its one-of-a-kind experiences, there is something truly special here. I’m excited to join the CVB team and look forward to sharing Grapevine’s story with visitors from around the world.”
Before joining Grapevine CVB, Hippensteel served as national tourism director for City Cruises, where she led group tour sales across multiple U.S. destinations and Toronto. She also brings more than 17 years of experience with Hard Rock Café, where she worked in sales, marketing, and tour and travel programs.
According to Grapevine officials, Hippensteel’s industry relationships and experience will support the city’s efforts to grow visitation and strengthen its position as a destination. “We are thrilled to welcome Tara to the team,” says Heather Egan, director of leisure and international sales for Grapevine CVB.
“Her depth of experience and longstanding relationships within the travel trade make her an incredible asset. Tara understands how to connect visitors to authentic experiences, and that aligns beautifully with what makes Grapevine so special.”
