Black Meetings & Tourism - VISIT ORLANDO NAMES MARIO J. BASS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Industry Briefs
VISIT ORLANDO NAMES MARIO J. BASS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Visit Orlando, the Official Tourism Association for the most visited destination in the country and Theme Park Capital of the World, announced the appointment of Mario J. Bass to chief operating officer. A hospitality industry veteran with more than 25 years' experience, Bass most recently served as the chief sales officer for Visit San Antonio. During his five-year tenure, he contributed to the overall success of the entire organization, leading the strategic business efforts of their Destination Sales & Experience departments by focusing on building long-term, value-based, customer relationships to exceed the city's goals and positively position San Antonio. As the chief operating officer for Visit Orlando, Bass will be responsible for the oversight of internal operations, lead and implement Visit Orlando's strategic initiatives, strategic plans and annual business plans, while supporting the company's mission, vision and values. "Following an extensive national search, it was clear that Mario's experience creating efficiencies and new process to drive success would be a perfect fit for Visit Orlando," said Casandra Matej, president and CEO for Visit Orlndo. "His strategic vision, strong execution, collaboration and effective communications skills will be a significant asset to the organization and help propel Visit Orlando and our destination towards greater success." "It's an honor to join Visit Orlando and represent the most visited destination in America and I'm looking forward to joining the Orlando community and working with the Visit Orlando team to reach new milestones together," said Bass. "When I started my first hospitality job more than 25 years ago as a front desk agent at a Marriott hotel, I could have never dreamed of the opportunities that a career in travel and tourism could provide." Prior to Visit San Antonio, Bass spent 21 years in roles at Marriott serving as Director of Sales & Marketing for several hotel properties. He also held the titles of Director of Corporate Sales, Director of Sales and Director of Sales and Marketing. His professional career in hospitality has placed him at a selection of Marriott's largest, flagship hotels such as the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square and the Gaylord Texas Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine. Bass will report to Visit Orlando's president and CEO, Casandra Matej. About Visit Orlando Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association^® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, we represent more than 1,300 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida's tourism community. Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando's travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to seven of the world's top theme parks - as well as refreshing water parks, activities to connect with nature, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events - Orlando is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com or OrlandoMeeting.com .

Industry Briefs

VISIT ORLANDO NAMES MARIO J. BASS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Visit Orlando, the Official Tourism Association for the most visited destination in the country and Theme Park Capital of the World, announced the appointment of Mario J. Bass to chief operating officer.
A hospitality industry veteran with more than 25 years' experience, Bass most recently served as the chief sales officer for Visit San Antonio. During his five-year tenure, he contributed to the overall success of the entire organization, leading the strategic business efforts of their Destination Sales & Experience departments by focusing on building long-term, value-based, customer relationships to exceed the city's goals and positively position San Antonio.

As the chief operating officer for Visit Orlando, Bass will be responsible for the oversight of internal operations, lead and implement Visit Orlando's strategic initiatives, strategic plans and annual business plans, while supporting the company's mission, vision and values.

"Following an extensive national search, it was clear that Mario's experience creating efficiencies and new process to drive success would be a perfect fit for Visit Orlando," said Casandra Matej, president and CEO for Visit Orlndo. "His strategic vision, strong execution, collaboration and effective communications skills will be a significant asset to the organization and help propel Visit Orlando and our destination towards greater success."

"It's an honor to join Visit Orlando and represent the most visited destination in America and I'm looking forward to joining the Orlando community and working with the Visit Orlando team to reach new milestones together," said Bass. "When I started my first hospitality job more than 25 years ago as a front desk agent at a Marriott hotel, I could have never dreamed of the opportunities that a career in travel and tourism could provide."
Prior to Visit San Antonio, Bass spent 21 years in roles at Marriott serving as Director of

Sales & Marketing for several hotel properties. He also held the titles of Director of Corporate Sales, Director of Sales and Director of Sales and Marketing. His professional career in hospitality has placed him at a selection of Marriott's largest, flagship hotels such as the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square and the Gaylord Texas Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine.

Bass will report to Visit Orlando's president and CEO, Casandra Matej.

About Visit Orlando

Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association^® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, we represent more than 1,300 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida's tourism community.

Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando's travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to seven of the world's top theme parks - as well as refreshing water parks, activities to connect with nature, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events - Orlando is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com or OrlandoMeeting.com .