Cory A. Van Horn, MAFS
A Food Guy Who Loves to Travel
Chief Experience Officer (CEO)
Cory A. Van Horn boasts an impressive career spanning over 25 years, characterized by his profound expertise in destination marketing, media relations, strategy, and tourism development.
Before establishing High Five Tourism Solutions, Cory significantly contributed to small to medium-sized destination marketing organizations (DMOs). Notably, he served as the Chief Strategy Officer at Visit Montgomery, Maryland, where he spearheaded innovative strategies, award-winning marketing campaigns, and exceptional tourism programs to elevate the region's appeal as a travel destination next door to Washington, D.C. His dynamic leadership and visionary approach transformed the organization's reach and impact, garnering unwavering respect among his industry peers.
Destination Management | Placemaking | Experience Marketing | Event Planning | Culinary Tourism | Agritourism
Academic Excellence
Cory's academic journey is as remarkable as his professional one. In 2003, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Grand Valley State University. His pursuit of knowledge led him to complete a Master of Arts in Food Studies at Chatham University's Falk School of Sustainability in 2012. At Chatham, he delved deep into culinary tourism and sustainable community development, further enriching his depth of expertise in these pivotal areas.
Global Perspective
Cory's global perspective on marketing and tourism development found a vibrant outlet at Frontiers International Travel in Pittsburgh, where he orchestrated domestic and international marketing campaigns. His tenure at Frontiers International Travel expanded horizons and established fresh benchmarks for effective global destination marketing within the luxury travel industry.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
From selling hot sauce packets on Taco Tuesdays in fifth grade to creating a food tour business from the ground up, entrepreneurship flows through Cory’s veins. He was the creative force behind Food Guy Adventures, a highly regarded walking food tour business in Pittsburgh. For a remarkable five years, he curated unforgettable culinary experiences, delighting countless enthusiasts with his experiential insights and passion for food landscapes and showcasing community voices.