Industry Leader Michelle Cruz is Named New Hampshire's New State Tourism Director
Regional tourism industry leader Michelle Cruz was confirmed on October 31, 2024 as the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development (DTTD) new State Tourism Director. Michelle begins work on December 2, replacing longtime tourism chief Lori Harnois, who left earlier this year for a new job in Vermont, after serving as New Hampshire's tourism director in 2020-2024 and 2011-2014.
Read full press release here.
“Michelle is a well-known and well-respected member of New Hampshire’s tourism industry. Her knowledge, experience, and proven leadership of one of the most active Chambers in the state makes her exceptionally qualified for this position,” said Taylor Caswell, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs. “Her vision and leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the economic growth in the state’s tourism industry.”
“I am incredibly honored to serve New Hampshire in this role,” said Cruz. “Tourism is critically important to the state’s economy, and I look forward to engaging with partners and stakeholders as we continue to build awareness of all that New Hampshire has to offer to visitors and residents alike.”
Stay connected with New Hampshire tourism on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube, and be sure to follow the #LiveFreeNH tag.
ABOUT THE NH DIVISION OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
The Division of Travel and Tourism Development, as part of the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs, works with the state’s seven travel regions to increase visitation, travel and visitor expenditures in order to expand business activity and employment throughout the state. The division is responsible for domestic and international advertising and public relations, literature publication and distribution, www.visitnh.gov administration, grant administration and research to monitor and measure the impact of travel and tourism to the state. For more information about New Hampshire tourism, call 603-271-2665 or visit www.visitnh.gov.
The Executive Council unanimously confirmed Governor Sununu’s appointment of Cruz. As State Tourism Director, Cruz will provide strategic direction for the Department and be responsible for the state’s domestic and international marketing and communication strategies, talent/workforce, and business recruitment platforms; oversight of the functions of the DTTD office; as well as working with industry leaders to advance and maximize the New Hampshire brand to a broad set of audiences.
“A thriving tourism industry is New Hampshire’s bread and butter,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “With an incredible variety of outdoor adventures, hundreds of artisans and small businesses, and loads of historical sites, the Granite State offers something to everyone. A new adventure is always just around the corner, and with Michelle at the helm, New Hampshire’s Travel and Tourism industry will continue to grow!”
Cruz has served as Executive Director of the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, since 2022. In that role she was responsible for overall operations of the Chamber, including all programs, marketing efforts, membership and finances. Prior to that, she served as the Chamber’s Community Engagement Manager for 5 years and helped strengthen relationships and collaborations within the Valley’s business community. Cruz’s background also includes a decade of experience at the Mount Washington Observatory, initially as Outreach Coordinator before advancing to Director of Education.
“A thriving tourism industry is New Hampshire’s bread and butter,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “With an incredible variety of outdoor adventures, hundreds of artisans and small businesses, and loads of historical sites, the Granite State offers something to everyone. A new adventure is always just around the corner, and with Michelle at the helm, New Hampshire’s Travel and Tourism industry will continue to grow!”
Cruz has served as Executive Director of the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, since 2022. In that role she was responsible for overall operations of the Chamber, including all programs, marketing efforts, membership and finances. Prior to that, she served as the Chamber’s Community Engagement Manager for 5 years and helped strengthen relationships and collaborations within the Valley’s business community. Cruz’s background also includes a decade of experience at the Mount Washington Observatory, initially as Outreach Coordinator before advancing to Director of Education.
“Michelle is a well-known and well-respected member of New Hampshire’s tourism industry. Her knowledge, experience, and proven leadership of one of the most active Chambers in the state makes her exceptionally qualified for this position,” said Taylor Caswell, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs. “Her vision and leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the economic growth in the state’s tourism industry.”
“I am incredibly honored to serve New Hampshire in this role,” said Cruz. “Tourism is critically important to the state’s economy, and I look forward to engaging with partners and stakeholders as we continue to build awareness of all that New Hampshire has to offer to visitors and residents alike.”
Stay connected with New Hampshire tourism on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube, and be sure to follow the #LiveFreeNH tag.
ABOUT THE NH DIVISION OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
The Division of Travel and Tourism Development, as part of the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs, works with the state’s seven travel regions to increase visitation, travel and visitor expenditures in order to expand business activity and employment throughout the state. The division is responsible for domestic and international advertising and public relations, literature publication and distribution, www.visitnh.gov administration, grant administration and research to monitor and measure the impact of travel and tourism to the state. For more information about New Hampshire tourism, call 603-271-2665 or visit www.visitnh.gov.
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