George Aguel, President and Chief Executive,Visit Orlando has announced that industry veteran Michael Waterman has been appointed Chief Sales Officer for Visit Orlando. Michael will oversee the travel industry and convention sales teams for the official tourism association of the most visited destination in the USA, reporting directly to George Aguel.
With almost 30 years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing, Michael Waterman’s background includes a 24-year tenure in multiple sales and marketing leadership roles at Marriott International and, most recently, as President and Chief Executive of Visit Houston. His industry service includes the boards of the US Travel Association and Destination International.
“Mike is a well-respected industry leader with a wealth of experience and will be a phenomenal addition to our team,” said George. “He could not be joining at a better time, as our destination is undergoing an extraordinary level of growth from the exciting expansion of our world-class convention centre, to the most significant addition of hotel rooms in 20 years, and most recently the announcement of our newest major theme park.”
“I am thrilled to be joining arguably one of the most respected, dynamic destination organisations in the world,” said Michael. “I started my career in Orlando and I know it will feel like coming home.”
