New Tourism Leader Anthony Cordo Aims to Boost Greensboro's Appeal

Greensboro, North Carolina, USA - In a significant move for Greensboro’s tourism landscape, Anthony Cordo has been appointed as the new president and chief executive of Visit Greensboro, effective July 14. Notably, Cordo transitions from his previous role as executive vice-president of Visit Lauderdale in Florida, bringing a wealth of experience from tourism organizations in Maryland and Texas. This appointment marks a new chapter for the organization, which has seen impactful leadership from Henri Fourrier, who retired after nearly three decades at the helm.

Cordo’s enthusiasm for initiatives in Greensboro is palpable. He aims to build on existing tourism efforts with a focus on meetings, sports, and other vibrant tourism sectors. Kelly Harrill, chairman of the authority’s board, expressed confidence in Cordo’s ability to harness his extensive experience from major markets, particularly in sports events, which dominate Greensboro’s tourism landscape.

Growing Tourism in Guilford County

The timing of Cordo’s appointment aligns well with a flourishing tourism economy in Guilford County, which has recently seen tourism spending soar by 8.7% in 2023, amounting to nearly $1.7 billion. This impressive statistic reflects the county’s standing as one of the top five tourism destinations in North Carolina, following Mecklenburg, Wake, Buncombe, and Dare counties. Overall, the state celebrated a record $35.6 billion in tourism spending, marking a 6.9% increase from the previous year, attracting approximately 43 million visitors in 2023.

Under Cordo’s leadership, Visit Greensboro plans to further engage local stakeholders through a listening tour, aiming to weave community insights into tourism strategies. With over 11,000 people employed in the local tourism sector and a noted increase in direct tourism jobs by 5.5%, the economic benefits are clear. Each resident of Guilford County saves an estimated $203.50 annually in taxes, thanks to tourism spending that supports essential public services like safety and education.

A Bright Future Ahead

Cordo’s vision for Greensboro goes beyond its current status; he sees potential for the city to become an internationally recognized vibrant destination. His excitement reflects not just on attractions, but also on Greensboro’s burgeoning live-music scene, which adds to the city’s unique charm. With effective leadership and robust tourism economics outlined in detailed studies from Visit North Carolina, the groundwork is laid for continued growth.

The comprehensive analysis recognizes the critical role of travel and tourism, with data released annually to assess visitor expenditures and their economic impact on local communities. Such insights, as stated in the “Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties” report, present the benefits of tourism to both state and local economies.

As Greensboro welcomes Cordo, the future of its tourism industry looks promising. With focus on leveraging local assets and community engagement, the city stands poised for new heights in economic vitality and visitor experience.