Port Aransas Tourism Bureau Marketing Director Earns CTE

Port Aransas, Texas, June 24, 2025

Melinda Compton, current Marketing & Communications Director for the Port Aransas Tourism Bureau & Chamber of Commerce, recently completed her final capstone for Travel & Tourism College, earning the Certified Tourism Executive (CTE) title. This certification encompasses the tourism and travel industry, with a focus on key areas such as destination stewardship, tourism development, visitor engagement, and travel marketing. 

Administered by the Texas Travel Alliance, the Travel and Tourism College equips tourism professionals by strengthening their knowledge of marketing, communications, management, sales, and related disciplines. After gaining this knowledge, each tourism professional completes a capstone tailored to their field or industry. This project serves as both a reflection of the insight provided by the Texas Travel Alliance and a demonstration of the professional’s dedication to their destination. 

Melinda Compton’s capstone focused on the advancement of tourism in Port Aransas through personal adventure and creative avenues. Her project, titled “Inspired by the Island,” was designed as a comprehensive event proposal aimed at attracting art enthusiasts to the city, relying on the creativity found and made in Port Aransas. The plan outlined a detailed, three-day creative retreat to bring in visitors and a one-day community event structured to connect tourists and locals. Melinda hopes to see this event come to fruition in Fall 2025. 

This achievement recognizes tourism professionals who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to creating successful events or campaigns that would directly and positively affect the destination they call home. Melinda Compton’s accomplishment is a testament to her passion, creativity, and continued enthusiasm for Port Aransas’ tourism.