New Executive Director Announced for Visit Dana Point

The Board of Directors for Visit Dana Point announces the appointment of Sean Keliiholokai (Kay-lee’-ee-hoe’-low-kye) as Executive Director for the newly-formed destination marketing organization Visit Dana Point. Mr. Keliiholokai will be charged with growing the local tourism industry through visitor attraction and retention, lodging offerings and meetings and groups initiatives. He will assume his duties in mid-August.

Dana Point is located along South Orange County’s coastal region halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego.

Previously Director of Sales and Marketing for the Greater Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau, Mr. Keliiholokai has worked in the tourism industry leading teams for Hyatt Regency Orange County and in sales management for multiple organizations including, Marriott International and Disneyland Resort.

Jim Samuels, General Manager of Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Visit Dana Point, remarked, “We are very enthusiastic about having Sean onboard. With his record of accomplishments in his previous positions, we look forward to working with him to promote Dana Point as a premier destination for visitors and to enhance our local tourism economy.”

Mr. Keliiholokai, a Certified Hospitality Sales Professional (CHSP), holds a Masters of Hospitality Administration (MHA) from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a B.S. in Business Administration from Biola University. He is married with a one-year-old son.

Other elected officers on the Board of Directors of Visit Dana Point include Secretary, Ian Pullan, General Manager, Monarch Beach Resort; and Treasurer, Bruce Brainerd, General Manager, The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

Dana Point offers easy access via air, ocean or major freeways. Known as the whale watching capital of the west, Dana Point Harbor, the Marina and the Ocean Institute provide for world-class boating, marine science education experiences and interactive water adventures. www.VisitDanaPoint.org