Visit Tucson named DMO and meetings industry veteran Graeme Hughes executive vice president, effective immediately.
Previously senior vice president of sales at the DMO, Hughes is stepping into the position previously held by current Visit Tucson President & CEO J. Felipe Garcia, who assumed that role in December 2021.
“Hughes’ extensive experience in the travel industry and deep understanding of the Tucson market ensures Visit Tucson is poised for strategic growth in the coming years,” Garcia stated in a press release announcing the promotion. “We were thrilled to find the most qualified candidate was already employed within our organization, following an exhaustive nationwide search conducted in partnership with Searchwide Global.”
A 30-year hospitality industry veteran, Hughes is a graduate of the University of Arizona and has spent his hospitality and tourism industry career focusing on sales and marketing.
Career highlights include four years in destination management, 13 years with Westin Hotels & Resorts and five years with Loews Hotels. Hughes joined Visit Tucson in November 2007.
[Related: Rio Nuevo District Set to Launch Downtown Tucson in the Meetings World]
Hughes’ prior responsibilities at Visit Tucson include the management and execution of the DMO’s convention sales, convention services and sports efforts, and positioning Tucson and Southern Arizona as a premier destination for group meetings, conventions, competitions and events, according to Visit Tucson.
