Julie Coker, the President and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA), is slated to step into a new role as the head of New York City Tourism+Conventions by December 2024.

Since joining SDTA in 2020, Coker has significantly boosted San Diego’s tourism sector, guiding the city through record-breaking years.

Under her leadership, San Diego achieved $14.28 billion in direct visitor spending in 2023, with visitor numbers reaching 30.5 million, a testament to her effective strategies in increasing destination appeal, both domestically and internationally​.

Coker’s tenure in San Diego was marked by her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which she spearheaded through initiatives like the Tourism Accelerator program.

This initiative supports businesses owned by women, people of color, veterans, and LGBTQ+ individuals with mentorship, education, and networking opportunities.

Her efforts positioned San Diego as a leader in inclusive tourism, creating a model for other cities by fostering broader community participation in the tourism economy​.

Additionally, Coker’s impact extended beyond SDTA’s walls; she has served on influential boards, including the U.S. Travel Association and the Department of Commerce’s U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, providing strategic insights on nationwide travel trends.

Her background also includes previous leadership at the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, where she oversaw large-scale events with substantial economic impacts, including the 2016 Democratic National Convention​.

In New York City, Coker will leverage her expertise to enhance the city’s global tourism profile, tapping into her experience in destination marketing and her commitment to diverse community engagement.

The post Julie Coker to Lead New York City Tourism + Conventions, Leaves a legacy of record-breaking success in San Diego appeared first on Travel And Tour World.