Chris Klauda is STR's first director of destination research. Chris Klauda is STR's first director of destination research.

STR has hired Chris Klauda, formerly VP of lodging research services for D.K. Shifflet & Associates (DKS&A), as the company’s first director of destination research.

Klauda will lead the research and analytic efforts for STR’s destination clients in addition to supporting the sales efforts of the company’s business development team.

“We are excited to add someone of Chris’s caliber in this position,” said Amanda Hite, STR’s president and COO. “Chris brings nearly 30 years of experience in travel and tourism research, and as we continue to increase our focus on DestinationMAP (Meetings Assessment Program) and the destination market, Chris will serve a vital role in expanding our presence.”

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DestinationMAP provides an in-depth look at the determining factors of why meeting planners select or do not select locations for their events. STR also works with CVBs, DMOs and other destination-related organisations on their hotel research needs.

“Having used STR information as a researcher for many years, I am thrilled to be on the inside, where I can combine the incredible resources at STR with my research experience to assist destination organizations,” Klauda said.

Klauda served for 29 years at DKS&A, where she managed all major hotel clients, including Choice Hotels International, InterContinental Hotels Group and Marriott International. Klauda was responsible for training and supervising all lodging research directors and analysts, and she was a key member of the team that developed and syndicated the Directions Travel Intelligence - SystemSM.