HAUPPAUGE, NY
The Long Island Convention and Visitors Bureau (LICVB) President, Moke McGowan, announced he will retire in September after 10 years as head of the organization.
The Bureau’s chairman, Greg DeClemente, said the Board will launch an immediate Long Island and national search to identify qualified candidates and fully expects a smooth transition.
“Moke took over the helm of the Long Island Convention and Visitors Bureau & Sports Commission at a critical juncture and over the last 10 years has done an outstanding job leading the Bureau into the 21st century,” said DeClemente, who also serves as general manager/COO of Courtyard Travel LTD. “We are going to miss Moke’s leadership and wish him all the best as he moves into retirement.”
A 44-year veteran in the tourism industry, McGowan is largely credited with rebuilding the Bureau’s business and professional integrity as a destination marketing and sales organization focused on building the Island’s tourism economy.
He is also ascribed with rebuilding and improving communications and relations with county governments during his decade-long tenure.
Past CVB Experience
Prior to taking on the position, McGowan was State Tourism Director for South Carolina and previously held senior marketing positions with the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, Pier 39’s Blue & Gold Fleet and as a consultant to the Oregon Tourism Commission.
Marketing and sales programs initiated under McGowan’s leadership include the inauguration of a successful international tourism development program to attract overseas visitors to Long Island; extensive online and interactive marketing initiatives and the integration of a highly successful social media program. The Bureau’s Long Island Facebook page has over 246,000 followers alone (New York City’s tourism agency, NYC & Co. has just over 114,000 fans).
The LICVB is a 501c(6) not-for-profit corporation charged with the responsibility of marketing, promoting and selling Long Island as a destination for domestic and international leisure travelers and as a site for meetings, conventions and sporting events. It derives the bulk of its funds from lodging taxes through contracts with Nassau and Suffolk counties.
