Meet Ray Hydrick, account director for the Southeast team. We sat down with him to learn a bit more about his love for travel, the Southeast and more.

1. How much experience do you have in the travel space?

I have been working in the travel industry for 19 years, specifically on the digital marketing side.  Over those years, I have worked with DMOs, attractions, vacation rental companies, and state organizations.

2. Where are you from? Where do you live now?

I am a native of Columbus Mississippi.  I lived in Starkville while earning my Marketing degree from Mississippi State University and have lived in Birmingham for 23 years.

3. What’s your favorite thing about working in Tourism?

Tourism is fun. Plain and simple. But in addition to being a fun industry, I feel like it is more of a mission than a job.  Tourism changes people, affects their view of the world and people in a positive way, provides an outlet to the everyday mundane routine of life. One of my favorite quotes about tourism is from Mark Twain: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” Travel is so important to our quality of life, and I am proud to even be a part of this industry.  In addition, the privilege of being able to experience firsthand some of the most unique, exciting, thought provoking, hospitable areas of the country, is certainly a perk of the job.

4. Favorite place to visit?

My favorite place to visit changes with time and where I am in my life. Regionally, of course, I love visiting Mississippi – every nook and cranny.  The people of the hospitality state are so friendly, and open to showing you the best of their destinations and making you feel welcome and at home. I’ve never met an unhappy tourism professional in Mississippi. I also have loved my visits to Paris. Just to experience an area with such a rich culture and a history that dates back thousands of years, is humbling.  And over the past few years, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico has been our go-to big vacation.  This very popular tourist destination has so much uniqueness and history combined with amazing views of the bay.  The street tacos and margaritas aren’t bad either.

5. What are some things/hobbies you like to do outside of work?

I spend most of my time outside of work with my Husband, Matthew and my chocolate lab, Olive. Home cooked meals with friends and good wine are usually on the schedule. I also love photography. I have been dabbling in photography since college and love finding that exact view that makes a great photo, tells a great story and creates emotion to the viewer.