Visit SLO CAL Appoints New President & CEO

Cathy Cartier appointed to role of President and CEO of Visit SLO CAL, after serving as Chief Marketing Officer for three years.

Visit SLO CAL (VSC), the official destination marketing and management organization for San Luis Obispo County, recently announced the appointment of Cathy Cartier as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

Cathy Cartier was unanimously appointed President and CEO of Visit SLO CAL during a June 27 VSC Board meeting, following her successful tenure as interim President and CEO. Cartier joined the organization in 2021 as Chief Marketing Officer, bringing more than two decades of leadership in the tourism marketing industry.

"I am honored to step into this new role," Cartier shared. "SLO CAL is a dynamic and vibrant region and I look forward to continuing to promote the destination alongside the talented staff of Visit SLO CAL. Under my leadership, Visit SLO CAL will steadfastly collaborate with our investors, partners and stakeholders to drive exponential growth in the tourism economy and enhance community engagement."

Cartier, a visionary leader, brings extensive experience to Visit SLO CAL, having previously served as its Chief Marketing Officer. Cartier possesses extensive experience in brand building, audience engagement, crisis communication and marketing strategy.

"We are delighted to announce Cathy Cartier as the new President and CEO of Visit SLO CAL," said Mark Eads, Board Chairman. "Under Cathy's leadership, Visit SLO CAL aims to further establish itself as the premier travel and tourism organization for the region, driving economic prosperity through innovative initiatives and striving to embody the SLO CAL lifestyle of 'people, place and pace.'"

Prior to joining Visit SLO CAL, Cartier served as President of Cartier Global Strategies, an international marketing firm associated with global companies. She also held the position of Chief Marketing Officer for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), the destination marketing organization for Las Vegas and Southern Nevada.

In 2023, tourism in SLO CAL generated a significant $60.1 million in transient occupancy tax revenue and contributed $110 million in local tax revenue. According to SLO CAL, without the tax revenue generated by tourism, each local household would need to pay an additional $21,415 to create the same economic benefit for the community. Furthermore, each household would need to spend an additional $1,914 in taxes to create the same economic impact for local businesses.

For more information about Visit SLO CAL, see SLOCAL.com.

Courtesy of Groups Today.

Photo courtesy of Visit SLO CAL