ORLANDO, Fla.—Charles Harris is taking over as chief operating officer of Visit Orlando. Harris is an award-winning global operations management executive with extensive experience in fostering business growth in sales and marketing within the tourism and hospitality, technology and sports management industries.
In his new role, Harris will oversee internal operations and lead annual business plans. He will also directly manage Visit Orlando’s digital and data strategy, human resources, and finance and business affairs teams, which includes IT, market research, and insights.
“Our nationwide search for a chief operating officer found Charles to be the complete package— with his comprehensive experience in destination management and marketing, cross-functional operational leadership, and consistent track record leading results-driven teams,” says Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “Charles brings a fresh perspective to Visit Orlando that will elevate our operational functions and help us achieve our strategic initiatives.”
Harris previously served as president and CEO of at Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority / Visit RenoTahoe, where he led a team of 120 full-time employees and reached record-setting monthly room tax revenue totals, generated unprecedented direct visitor spending, and secured long-term business engagements, including hosting the Davis Cup Tennis match and extending sales contracts with the United States Bowling Congress. Other former positions include chief marketing officer/executive vice president public affairs for Visit Anaheim, executive experience at Luxe Hotels and Experian Interactive, and work in communications for the Los Angeles Dodgers and community development for the Anaheim Ducks.
“Destination Marketing Organizations are vital to the ecosystem of the travel and tourism industry and the local communities they serve. This is especially true for an industry leader like Visit Orlando,” says Harris. “Visit Orlando’s reputation for being the best in the business with a high-performing team and exceptional leadership made this an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
