Former Reno and Visit Anaheim executive brings vast tourism, technology and sports management experience to No. 1 Meetings and Leisure Destination in the U.S.
ORLANDO, Fla. (April 29, 2025) – Visit Orlando, the Official Tourism Association® for Orlando and the No. 1 travel destination in the U.S., named Charles Harris, Chief Operating Officer. Charles Harris is an award-winning global operations management executive with extensive experience in spearheading operational transformation, fostering business growth, and orchestrating impactful sales and marketing strategies within the tourism and hospitality, technology and sports management industries.
“Our nationwide search for a Chief Operating Officer found Charles to be the complete package— with his comprehensive experience in destination management and marketing, cross-functional operational leadership and consistent track record leading results-driven teams,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “Charles brings a fresh perspective to Visit Orlando that will elevate our operational functions and help us achieve our strategic initiatives.”
As the chief operating officer for Visit Orlando, Harris will oversee internal operations, lead and implement Visit Orlando’s strategic plans and annual business plans, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission, vision and values. He will also take on direct management of our Digital & Data Strategy, Human Resources and Finance & Business Affairs teams which includes IT and Market Research and Insights.
"Destination Marketing Organizations are vital to the ecosystem of the travel and tourism industry and the local communities they serve. This is especially true for an industry leader like Visit Orlando,” said Harris. “Visit Orlando’s reputation for being the best in the business with a high-performing team and exceptional leadership, made this an opportunity I couldn't pass up.”
Before joining Visit Orlando, Charles served as President & Chief Executive Officer at RSCVA / Reno Tahoe, leading a team of 120 full-time employees. Under his leadership, the organization achieved record-setting monthly room tax revenue totals, generated unprecedented direct visitor spending, and secured long-term business engagements, including hosting the Davis Cup Tennis match and extending sales contracts with the United States Bowling Congress.
Charles also held the position of Chief Marketing Officer/Executive Vice President Public Affairs at Visit Anaheim, where he created and executed comprehensive marketing plans encompassing social media, communications, community relations and business intelligence leading to over 100 marketing industry accolades.
Other previous positions include executive experience at Luxe Hotels and Experian Interactive, and work in communications and community development with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Anaheim Ducks, respectively.
An award-winning leader, Charles has been recognized in The BizBash 500 as one of the most influential event professionals and has earned numerous awards, including the Catalyst Award: Momentum by Smart Meetings. He has also served on various boards, including the US Travel, Nevada State Tourism Board, and Destinations International CDME Board of Directors.
Harris 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, the organization represents more than 1,600 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 15 of the world’s top theme parks and water parks — as well as nature and outdoor adventures, 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, VisitOrlando.org or OrlandoMeeting.com.
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