Travel Nevada appoints first CEO
State tourism marketing agency Travel Nevada has appointed Rafael Villanueva as its first Chief Executive Officer.
Villanueva will oversee all administrative and technical activities of the Division of Tourism (Travel Nevada).
This includes implementing a strategic plan for tourism and monitoring programs and associated expenditures.
Villanueva will additionally oversee marketing, communications, industry development, and the 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 will guide the Division of Tourism to new heights.”
Villanueva brings a wealth of experience.
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.
He oversaw contracts and budgets of 15 global offices that promoted Las Vegas in 40 countries. Prior to the LVCVA, Villanueva served as the Executive Director of Advertising and Public Relations at the Tropicana Resort and Casino.
After leaving the LVCVA, Villanueva formed Beyond Global Solutions, a tourism marketing consulting company.
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