Travel Nevada, the agency tasked with the promotion and marketing of Nevada as a tourism destination, has appointed Rafael Villanueva as its first chief executive.
Mr Villanueva will direct and supervise all administrative and technical activities of the Division of Tourism (Travel Nevada). This includes implementing the strategic plan for tourism and analysing the effectiveness of programmes and associated expenditures. Mr Villanueva will additionally oversee marketing, communications, industry development, and Nevada Magazine + Visitor Guide.
“Rafael is a well-known and respected tourism industry leader,” said Brenda Scolari, Director, Nevada Department of Tourism & Cultural Affairs. “His global tourism experience and love for Nevada will guide the Division of Tourism to new heights with a fresh perspective on market development, consumer trade, and the overall visitor experience.”
Mr Villanueva comes to Travel Nevada with a wealth of experience, serving a variety of clients on a global scale.
He spent 22 years with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), first as Senior Director of International Sales and then Senior Director of Global Development, key roles in the authority’s international tourism sale and marketing efforts. Under his leadership, he oversaw contracts and budgets of 15 global offices that promoted Las Vegas in 40 countries.
Prior to his time with the LVCVA, Villanueva served as the Executive Director of Advertising and Public Relations at the Tropicana Resort and Casino. Following his departure from the LVCVA, Mr Villanueva formed Beyond Global Solutions, a tourism marketing consulting company specialising in the development of strategic domestic and international inbound marketing programmes and event management.
