The official destination marketing organisation for the state of Nevada, Travel Nevada, has made two significant new hires as they enter a new fiscal year, welcoming Elsa Gomez as Global Market Manager and Yessenia Vega as Market Development Coordinator into the Industry Development team.
In her new role, Gomez will manage Travel Nevada’s international trade efforts and daily operations with global agencies in Australia, Canada, Germany, Mexico, and the U.K. While Vega will support the Industry Development team with various programs and trade activities including trade shows and sales missions.
Gomez brings over 30 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry to Travel Nevada. Throughout her career, she has held positions as Director of Sales and Marketing and Director of Leisure for some of southern Nevada’s most well-known hotel brands including Marriott, Hilton, and Caesars Entertainment. Gomez has also excelled in account development and management, building relationships with key travel and trade partners in the online travel agent (OTA), wholesale/leisure, and group account market segments.
“Travel Nevada is excited to expand the Industry Development team,” said Rafael Villanueva, Travel Nevada Chief Executive Officer. “The Global Market Manager role is crucial in engaging with our international markets and monitoring tourism trends. Her extensive experience is a valuable addition to the team, ensuring Travel Nevada implements effective programs to drive increased visitation to Nevada’s destinations.”
Having lived in Las Vegas for over 15 years, Gomez will bring her passion for leisure and travel industry sales to Travel Nevada. She will leverage her expertise to develop, implement, and maintain a collaborative strategic plan to ensure Travel Nevada is evolving and actively engaged with current and future global market trends.
A Las Vegas native and University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) graduate, Vega earned her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management with a concentration in meetings and events management. Her career experience spans workforce development, customer service and guest experience, as well as convention and event coordination.
In her role, Vega will foster meaningful relationships with industry partners statewide to enhance tourism business engagement. She will implement special programs and initiatives that support the Industry Development team in destination development, rural marketing grant programs, and domestic and global market development.
“We are thrilled to welcome Yessenia to Travel Nevada,” said Nicole Orsua, Chief Industry Development Officer. “Her education, hospitality, and workforce development experience make her an excellent fit for this new important role within our agency.”
Travel Nevada, appointments, Elsa Gomez, Yessenia Vega