Christina Pappas, President of Open the Door

Christina Pappas founded Open the Door to provide clients with a unique network of sales, marketing and communications options. With twenty year's of sales, marketing & public relations experience, Pappas' background covers a solid career in the hospitality industry holding the position of Director of Marketing for both the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and the Massachusetts Port Authority prior to founding Open the Door in November, 2001.

A solid leader with a number of key relationships on local, regional and international levels, Pappas has been responsible for:

• Creating a global destination marketing program that positioned Boston and New England as a premier world class destination in over 20 countries resulting in a 15% increase in international visitors to the region, 12% above the national average;
• Developing strategic partnerships which resulted in leveraging marketing budget dollars a spectacular 600% for the Massachusetts Port Authority;
• Increasing awareness of Hyatt Regency Boston among consumers and travel trade over a 12 month period, resulting in: 25% increase in hotel revenues; 7% increase in ADR; 127% increase in packages sold over the previous year; and $774,000 worth of free publicity in radio and print media; and
• Planning and implementing all domestic and international advertising, sales promotions and public relations for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, generating a 500% growth in awareness over an 18 month period in the United Kingdom alone.

With extensive experience in all aspects of marketing, including branding, advertising, sales, promotions and public relations, Pappas has been recognized for her marketing expertise by the Travel Industry Association of America and the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International, with over 30 awards for advertising, public relations and community programs.

Pappas is an Adjunct Professor at the Boston University School of Hospitality, serves on the board of Skal and MAASH (Massachusetts Advocates for the Arts, Sciences, and Humanities), and has served on the board of the Travel Industry Association of America. She is a member of TIA, Skal, MAASH, Professional Convention Management Association, Meeting Professionals International, The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, Massachusetts Lodging Association, and the Public Relations Society of America, and serves as a community council member of the Sister to Sister Foundation.

For a full list of professional related experience, click here.

Click here to download Christina Pappas' presentation on Working the International Market