Ray Hoyt is president of Tulsa Regional Tourism where he is responsible for the sales, development and programming efforts of VisitTulsa, the Tulsa Sports Commission and the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture divisions at the Tulsa Regional Chamber. Ray joined the Tulsa Regional Chamber in September of 2010 as the executive director of the Tulsa Sports Commission where he was responsible for the day-to-day leadership, growth and development of the sports commission’s relevance and advancement in the local, regional and national sports market. Shortly thereafter, Ray matriculated to senior leadership responsibilities at the Tulsa Regional Chamber when he became senior vice president of VisitTulsa and the Tulsa Sports Commission. Within his first year in this expanded role, Ray led development efforts generating over $10 million in private investment for regional tourism programs.
He is currently leading the destination rebranding strategy known as, “Tulsa Inspires,” a regional marketing and branding strategy designed to positively promote Tulsa as a premier destination for visitors, investment and talent.
Ray is actively working on the implementation of Tulsa’s first tourism-based improvement district, and is convening and collaborating with community stakeholders on multiple vision projects like the USA BMX National HQ, Cox Business Center renovation, and destination development strategies for the future.
Prior to his arrival in Tulsa, Ray served as the director of national games for the National Senior Games Association, an organization he had been associated with since serving as its inaugural executive director of the Tucson Sports Commission from 1994 through1997. The Walt Disney Company, a world-renowned convention and tourism leader, recognized Ray’s success in Tucson and invited him to join the Disney’s Wide World of Sports team in 1997 leading the event management team, executing more than 200 events annually. Ray’s impact resulted in more profitable events defined by higher per-athlete spending and increased room nights sold per event.
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-Sean Kouplen