Casandra Matej Named President and CEO of Visit Orlando
January 4, 2021
Casandra Matej has been tapped as the next president and chief executive officer of Visit Orlando, effective Feb. 1. She assumes the same position she most recently held with Visit San Antonio.
Matej is credited for rethinking the structure of the San Antonio CVB that she served nearly a decade, first as executive director and then as president and CEO. During her tenure, Alamo City achieved record highs in convention sales and marketing programs. She also developed one of the largest tourism ambassador programs in the country—with over 2,000 CTAs brought aboard to ensure memorable visitor experiences.
An industry leader, Matej sits on the board of directors at the U.S. Travel Association and on the executive committee of Destinations International. She was also a past chairman of the Texas Travel Industry Association.
Matej expressed enthusiasm for the move to Orlando, one of the country’s most popular destinations for leisure travel and events—a place she expects will lead the country’s recovery from the pandemic.
“Orlando is the epicenter for all things travel and tourism, and I look forward to representing this incredible destination where imagination comes to life,” Matej said in a statement. “It is crucial that Orlando thrives not only locally but in healing the nation, and I am excited about working with the Visit Orlando professionals to make a difference for the industry and community.”
Kudos for the hire were swift. Said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings: “It’s amazing to have someone as talented and seasoned as Cassandra take the helm at Visit Orlando.”
A graduate of the University of Texas, Matej was a senior vice president of sales and services at Visit Dallas before moving to San Antonio. Previously, she held sales positions with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and Hyatt Hotels.
Matej will replace George Aguel, who announced last summer he would be leaving as Visit Orlando’s president and CEO, leading to the search for a new leader. The 67-year-old ran the CVB since 2013, and cited wanting to spend more time with his family in his decision to step aside.
Despite COVID-19, Orlando has maintained its place as a hotspot for events. Amateur Athletic Union held its prestigious national volleyball tournament there in July and Alliance Nationwide Exposition hosted Together Again Expo. Both took place at Orange County Convention Center.
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Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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