Ed Simon Takes Charge: New Sales Chief for Florida Keys Tourism

Key West, USA - Exciting news for the Florida tourism scene! Ed Simon has been appointed as the new chief sales officer and executive vice president for Visit Florida Keys & Key West. With a wealth of experience spanning over 30 years in travel and tourism, Simon is set to bring a robust vision to the organization. His focus will be on strategic sales and business development, particularly in areas such as leisure sales, group meetings, events, and fostering long-term partnerships. This appointment marks a significant step for the Florida Keys, which continues to be a premier destination for travelers.

Kara Franker, the president and CEO of Visit Florida Keys, expressed her confidence in Simon’s strategic insight and innovative mindset—qualities she believes are key to advancing the organization. Simon’s previous role as executive vice president for Visit Lauderdale saw him play a pivotal part in expanding the sales team and boosting the Broward County Convention Center’s profile. It’s clear that Simon knows how to navigate the complexities of destination marketing and development.

Proven Track Record

Simon’s impressive background doesn’t end there. He has held notable positions such as vice president of sales for destination hotels and regional vice president of sales and marketing with Remington Hotels. His career began with Associated Luxury Hotels, where he spent 17 years, gaining valuable industry knowledge. Notably, Simon was awarded the title of the 2019 South Florida Hospitality Sales & Marketing Professional of the Year by HSMAI. It seems he’s got more than just good experience—he’s also recognized by his peers!

Simon also made strides in establishing the Association Meeting Buyer’s Collective in 2016, a cooperative marketplace for associations and hotel partners. This initiative showcases not only his entrepreneurial spirit but also his commitment to improving collaboration within the industry. With such a strong network of industry relationships, Simon is well-positioned to drive growth in the Florida Keys.

Looking Ahead

As the Florida Keys set their sights on a bright future, effective planning in travel and tourism marketing will be essential. According to the Travel Alliance Partnership, organizations need a solid strategic foundation for their marketing efforts. This includes conducting research to identify key themes, setting clear goals, understanding target audiences, and developing tactical plans. Simon’s appointment bodes well for these efforts, as he is likely to integrate these crucial aspects into his approach to building the Visit Florida Keys brand.

Success in this sector is no small feat, but with the right strategies in place, Simon’s leadership at Visit Florida Keys could very well signal an uptick in tourism and business for the region. Let’s keep an eye on how this initiative unfolds and the positive impact it will undoubtedly bring to the charming islands of the Florida Keys.