NYC Tourism + Conventions, New York City’s tourism authority, announced that its president and CEO of 10 years, Fred Dixon, would be leaving the organization in June. Dixon has been tapped to lead Brand USA, the United States’ destination marketing organization (DMO) that primarily works to promote the U.S. as an international travel destination.
Dixon joined the NYC tourism group back in 2005 as the vice president of tourism and was appointed to CEO back in 2014. With over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, Dixon helped double international visitation to New York City to over 13 million travelers; a result of a long-term strategy of creating a global network of NYC representative outposts in over 40 diverse feeder markets globally.
Dixon led New York City’s pandemic recovery, aiding in organizing the Coalition for NYC Hospitality and Tourism Recovery to help chart a path through the COVID-19 years. New York City has since attracted more than 62 million annual visitors, generated over $74 billion in economic impact and supported over 380,000 leisure and hospitality jobs in the city. Dixon has also set the city up for success in the coming years, where the city is set to host the America250 Semiquincentennial celebration and the FIFA World Cup 26.
Dixon is also a member of multiple travel industry association boards and committees, serving as the chair of Destinations International and as an officer of the board for the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee. He also has served as a member of the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation Board, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association and the U.S. Travel Association Executive Committee.
[Related: Destinations International Expands and Tackles Global Tourism Issues at Annual Convention in Dallas]
“This is a bittersweet moment for NYC Tourism + Conventions and the city’s tourism industry,” said NYC Tourism + Conventions Board Chair Charles Flateman in a press release. “For nearly 20 years, Fred Dixon has been synonymous with New York City tourism, the industry’s continued success and its impact on New York City. His leadership and expertise created a template for excellence in destination marketing and the team of talented individuals who make the work possible. We are thrilled beyond measure for him in this new role and know that he will always be a champion for NYC.”
NYC Tourism + Conventions’ chief marketing officer, Nancy Mammana, will take on the role of interim CEO while a search committee identifies candidates and selects a new CEO. Mammana has been with the organization since 2018 and helped lead the company’s rebrand in 2023. Dixon will remain in the role of CEO until June 5 and will begin his new role in July.
