San Diego Tourism Marketing District names new Executive Director

SAN DIEGO, CA – The San Diego Tourism Marketing District (TMD) announced today that hotel industry veteran Brian Hughes was selected as the organization’s new executive director.

SAN DIEGO, CA – The San Diego Tourism Marketing District (TMD) announced today that hotel industry veteran Brian Hughes was selected as the organization’s new executive director.

“With his extensive hotel industry experience and his significant investment in supporting San Diego’s tourism community, Mr. Hughes is distinctly qualified to serve as executive director of the organization,” said Bill Evans, Chairman of the TMD’s Board of Directors. “We look forward to his insightful leadership.”


Hughes joins the TMD at a pivotal time, as San Diego focuses on a convention center expansion, the future release of the organization’s 20-year Destination Master Plan, and upcoming Board elections. Hughes assumes his role as director during a record year for San Diego’s tourism industry. In 2015, the TMD strategically deployed nearly $24 million in assessment funds into San Diego City Council-approved programs resulting in record Transit Occupancy Tax (TOT) collections of $186 million. The TOT is the second largest contributor to the City of San Diego’s general fund.

Hughes, a Cornell University graduate, has nearly three decades of experience in the hotel industry. Since coming to San Diego in 2008, Hughes worked for Omni Hotels & Resorts. Roles with Omni included general manager of the Omni San Diego Hotel and general manager of the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa.

His community involvement includes serving as chairman of the San Diego Tourism Authority. He was also a longtime member of the San Diego Hotel-Motel Association and in 2012 was named “San Diego Hotelperson of the Year.”

“Supporting this industry is not a newfound passion for Brian. He has the experience, knowledge and skills necessary to build bridges and collaborative relationships among stakeholders that are essential to our future,” said Evans. “We are excited about his vision for the TMD.”

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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