November 4, 2026 - November 4, 2026
Beyond the Welcome Sign: Resident Sentiment About Tourism Today
Presented by Longwoods International
Join us for a dive into the latest findings from Longwoods International’s Resident Sentiment Study. As destinations nationwide navigate the evolving dynamic between tourism and community well-being, understanding resident perspectives remains paramount.
We’ll unpack current attitudes, shifts in public perception, and key trends that are shaping destination development and community support.
Presenter
Robert Kelly
Manager, Client Engagement, Longwoods InternationalRobert is the Manager of Client Engagement at Longwoods International, where he works with DMOs and other tourism industry partners to turn research into clear, actionable insights. He helps clients connect data with the issues that matter most—understanding visitor trends, gauging resident sentiment, shaping marketing strategy and demonstrating tourism’s contribution to overall community health.
Before joining Longwoods, Robert served as a Sales Executive with STR and CoStar for 9 years. Since entering the hospitality industry in 2017—after escaping a potential career in banking—he has held roles in research, client support and sales, building a strong foundation in hospitality data and client relationships. He has also been a frequent speaker and panelist at lodging and tourism conferences nationwide.
Born in New Orleans and raised in Tennessee, Robert earned his bachelor’s in political science from the University of Mississippi and remains a diehard Ole Miss Rebel. He lives in Gallatin, Tennessee, with his fiancé, Rachael, and their two cats—Nora and Teddy.
Secure Your Spot
Join Longwoods International to explore the latest resident perspectives on tourism and the trends shaping destination development, community well-being and support.