Photo courtesy Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB
submitted by the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
Naples, Fla. – The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) announces the appointment of Jay Tusa as the new Tourism Director, effective March 25, 2024. With over 25 years of experience in the travel industry, Tusa brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. Through strategic vision and a commitment to excellence, Tusa will lead destination management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement initiatives to further enhance the region’s tourism offerings. His proven ability to drive economic growth, destination development, and infrastructure improvement projects will enhance the visitor experience and guide Collier County through its next development phase.
Tusa most recently served as Assistant Airport Director, Strategy and Development at Pensacola International Airport where he was responsible for implementing strategic planning initiatives to foster economic growth and sustainable tourism practices for the region.
Prior to this role, Tusa served as the Executive Director of Visit South Walton, where he led initiatives resulting in substantial increases in visitation and spending, ensuring the support of tourism-related jobs.
Tusa’s experience also includes key leadership roles within the tourism industry. He served as Director of Marketing for Explore Asheville, as Corporate Director of Marketing for St. Joe Hospitality, as Director of Communications and Research for Louisiana Office of Tourism, and as Executive Director of River Parishes Tourist Commission.
“We are pleased to welcome Jay Tusa as the newly appointed Tourism Director for the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB,” stated Dan Rodriguez, Deputy County Manager for Collier County. “His impressive experience in elevating the visitor experience and management of critical infrastructure and beach enhancement projects will ensure Collier County’s tourism-supported initiatives will continue to drive the economic growth that supports the unique lifestyle that both visitors and residents enjoy in our community.”
Throughout his career, Tusa has been actively involved in various notable industry associations including U.S. Travel Association, Destinations International, Southeast Tourism Society, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, and Visit Florida. His commitment to stakeholder engagement and industry advocacy reflects his passion for advancing the travel sector.
“I’m excited to take on the role of Tourism Director for the Naples, Marco Island, and Everglades CVB. With a strong commitment to fostering sustainable growth and building vibrant communities through collaborative efforts with stakeholders, I’m looking forward to elevating our region’s tourism landscape and making lasting contributions to our community,” said Jay Tusa, CDME, CTIS, TMP, Tourism Director for the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB.
Tusa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Loyola University New Orleans and is recognized with designations such as Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), Travel Marketing Professional (TMP), and Certified Travel Industry Specialist (CTIS).
About Florida’s Paradise Coast
The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the official source for area travel and tourism information about Florida’s Paradise Coast. Located in Southwest Florida, this premier vacation and meeting destination offers leisure and business travelers a variety of exceptional year-round amenities and attractions. Set along a 30-mile Gulf of Mexico coastline ribboned with white-sand beaches, visitors will discover a sophisticated, yet casual atmosphere highlighted by a lively social scene, robust arts and culture activities, exceptional restaurants, luxury boutique shopping, and plenty of outdoor adventure experiences. Home to over 90 public and private golf courses, sports enthusiasts have access to a variety of championship courses; pickleball and tennis facilities; and water activities ranging from kayaking to sailing charters. Outdoor adventures include exploring the world-famous Everglades – the only sub-tropical mangrove wilderness in the U.S. – and home to endangered wildlife and over 350 species of birds. Florida’s Paradise Coast is truly where the high life meets the wildlife. Recent accolades include being named the No. 1 “Best Beach Town in the U.S. to Live In,” No. 1 “Healthiest and Happiest City in America” and “One of the Best Small Cities in the U.S.” Located just two hours from Miami, three hours from Tampa, and four hours from Orlando, Florida’s Paradise Coast is easily accessible by Interstate highway. Travelers outside of the Sunshine State can fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), Punta Gorda (PGD), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), and Miami (MIA). For more information about Florida’s Paradise Coast, call 800-688-3600, visit ParadiseCoast.com, and follow us on Instagram, and Facebook.
