Rafael Villanueva brings global experience, strategy, and vision to state agency tasked with promotion of Nevada Tourism
Travel Nevada, the agency tasked with the promotion and marketing of Nevada as a tourism destination, announces the hire of Rafael Villanueva as its first Chief Executive Officer. In this role, 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 programs and associated expenditures. 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.”
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, Villanueva formed Beyond Global Solutions, a tourism marketing consulting company specialising in the development of strategic domestic and international inbound marketing programs and event management. Villanueva is a lifelong resident of Las Vegas, graduating from Las Vegas High School and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Nevada is defined by contrasts and offers visitors a rich history and diverse culture. Known for its arid desert landscapes, alluring casinos, and vibrant nightlife, ‘The Silver State’ is also home to a variety of pristine natural wonders including the Valley of Fire State Park, Lake Tahoe and Great Basin National Park, as well as quirky ghost towns, eccentric exhibitions and attractions. In an exciting year for the destination, 2024 celebrates the 160th anniversary of the state, and sees the return of several annual events, including the World Human Powered Speed Challenge, Great Basin Astronomy Festival and the Super Bowl in Las Vegas in February.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
