Michael D. Waterman will take on the role of chief sales officer for Visit Orlando from August 26.
He will oversee the travel industry and convention sales teams for the destination’s official tourism association and report directly to Visit Orlando president and chief executive George Aguel.
Waterman has almost 30 years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing, including a 24-year tenure in sales and marketing leadership roles at Marriott International and, most recently, as president and chief executive of Visit Houston.
He has also served on the boards of the US Travel Association and Destination International.
Aguel said: “Mike is a well-respected industry leader with a wealth of experience and will be a phenomenal addition to our team.
“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.”
Waterman added: “I started my career in Orlando and I know it will feel like coming home.”
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