April 15, 2008

Jay Santos Named Vice President of International Marketing

of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Jay Santos has been named the new vice president of international marketing of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (Orlando CVB). Santos was selected following a thorough national search focused on bringing an added depth of experience in international consumer and travel trade marketing to the organization.  Santos will be responsible for the strategic direction of the Orlando CVB in the international market, developing sales and marketing strategies and ensuring brand continuity as the destination looks to capitalize on increased global opportunities.

With an extensive career in the travel industry and international marketing, Santos comes to the Orlando CVB from Hotelbeds Accommodations and Destination Services where he served as the director of business development. The company is part of TUI Travel plc., an organization headquartered in England formed by the merger of First Choice plc and the World of TUI. TUI Travel plc. employs 47,000 people in 40 countries. Prior to this, Santos served as the vice president of worldwide sales and marketing for ACC Tours for 10 years and executive vice president of AccessUSA for two years before both companies were purchased by Hotelbeds.  In his 16 years with these affiliated companies, he was responsible for relationship management with key travel distribution channels including tour operators, general sales agents, direct sell internet distributors, home-based agents, airlines and cruise ships; brand building; USA product development and sales; and destination management services. He began his career with Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc. as the manager for international sales and marketing for Europe, Asia and the Pacific responsible for building a sales team and developing and implementing sales and marketing strategies.

“Jay brings an outstanding international marketing and sales background, strategic focus and knowledge of Orlando to our organization," said Gary C. Sain, president and CEO of the Orlando CVB.  "With the strength of the international market, it is the perfect time for someone with Jay’s insight and experience to join our team and help direct us towards increased opportunities."

Santos received his degree from the University of Sao Paulo in Business Administration and also attended the University of Miami. He has served as chair of the Orlando CVB’s Travel Industry Marketing Committee, vice chair of the International Travel Services Association, and is presently a member of Visit USA Committees worldwide.

The Orlando CVB is the branding, sales and marketing agency responsible for positioning Orlando as the destination of choice for leisure and meetings business for the economic benefit of the Orlando region.