{"id":90526,"date":"2024-08-19T11:57:21","date_gmt":"2024-08-19T15:57:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thepalmbeaches.com\/?page_id=90526"},"modified":"2026-07-15T09:40:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T13:40:09","slug":"liebe-zu-den-palmenstranden-der-masterplan-tourismus","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.thepalmbeaches.com\/de\/love-the-palm-beaches-the-tourism-master-plan","title":{"rendered":"Liebe die Palm Beaches: Der Tourismus-Masterplan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n \n
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\n Love The Palm Beaches The Tourism Master Plan<\/span> <\/h1>\n \n\n
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Uniting for a Vibrant Future<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

As part of a 20-year plan to make Palm Beach County a premier tourism destination, the Tourist Development Council & its partners are seeking stakeholder engagement on the future of tourism in Palm Beach County!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Share Why You Love The Palm Beaches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council (TDC), in partnership with our dedicated TDC Agencies, invite you to participate in an important series of Tourism Stakeholder Surveys\u00a0as part of our Tourism Master Plan initiative. Your insights are essential. By sharing your expertise, you will help us identify opportunities and challenges, shaping a balanced approach that enhances both the visitor experience and the quality of life for our residents.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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The Tourism Master Plan will provide a foundation for Palm Beach County to articulate a clear vision for the future by creating a market-leading 20-year master plan for tourism development. The Plan will be used to guide, identify, innovate, create, and communicate unique products, programming, and experiences, along with long-term planning for Palm Beach County that balances the destination\u2019s economic vision, tourism assets, stakeholder interests, and
visitor demand.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Tourism Master Plan Executive Summary<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n


The Tourism Master Plan outlines a clear, shared vision of Strategic Recommendations designed to ensure tourism in The Palm Beaches is strategic, balanced and community-centered, supporting long-term economic vitality, while protecting quality of life, environmental assets and the distinct identities of it’s 39 cities and towns. Additionally, 10 Big Ideas focused on strengthening The Palm Beaches as a destination not just for visitors but for residents as well, focused on job creation, workforce development, equitable access and integration with existing infrastructure and neighborhoods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore the Executive Summary for the full road map and outcomes of the Tourism Master Plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Meet the Steering Committee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Emanuel J. Perry<\/h4>\n \n

Executive Director<\/p>\n \n

Tourist Development Council<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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Emanuel J. Perry<\/h4>\n

Executive Director<\/p>\n

Tourist Development Council<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n Emanuel Perry is the Executive Director of Palm Beach County\u2019s Tourist Development Council and a recipient of the prestigious South Florida Business Journal 40 under 40 award. Under his leadership, Palm Beach County welcomed a record number 9.5 million visitors in 2023 generating an economic impact of $10.3 billion to the economy, resulting in a record number $84 million in Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenue, also called \u201cbed taxes\u201d collected in FY23 and supporting 96,000 jobs.
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\nEmanuel provides strategic direction for one of the largest industries in Palm Beach County, overseeing key organizations such as Discover the Palm Beaches, Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, Palm Beach County Sports Commission, Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission, and the Palm Beach County Convention Center. His visionary leadership continues to drive the growth and development of Palm Beach County\u2019s tourism industry.
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\nA proud Palm Beach County native earned his degree in Business Administration from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. Who is committed to transforming Palm Beach County into America\u2019s favorite destination that visitors will want to experience because of our culture, lifestyle and amenities. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Milton Segarra<\/h4>\n \n

President & CEO<\/p>\n \n

Discover The Palm Beaches<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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Milton Segarra<\/h4>\n

President & CEO<\/p>\n

Discover The Palm Beaches<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n Milton Segarra, a distinguished Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Discover The Palm Beaches (DTPB), Palm Beach County\u2019s official tourism marketing organization. Since he joined the team in 2022, the destination marketing organization has achieved record-breaking visitation and tourism\u2019s economic impact on the community surpassed $10 billion. Prior to this role, he led the Coastal Mississippi Tourism Board as CEO, and Meet Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Convention Bureau) as President & CEO. His exceptional career journey has seen him excel in the hotel industry with prestigious brands such as Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, and the Sands Hotel and Casino in Puerto Rico. Beyond tourism, he has contributed his dynamic leadership to the healthcare and technology industries. Currently, he serves as a Board Trustee for Destination International\u2019s Foundation, as well as on the Destinations International CDME (Certified Destination Marketing Executive) Board for the Professional Credential Program and its Governance and Nominations Committee. Segarra earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a focus on Business Management, Finance, and Marketing from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayag\u00fcez. Additionally, he completed executive programs at Ashbridge Business Institute in London, UK, and Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Dave Lawrence<\/h4>\n \n

President & CEO<\/p>\n \n

Cultural Council for Palm Beach County<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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Dave Lawrence<\/h4>\n

President & CEO<\/p>\n

Cultural Council for Palm Beach County<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n Dave Lawrence serves as the chief arts advocate for The Palm Beaches and represents the arts and cultural community in local, regional, and national matters. Since joining the Cultural Council in 2018, he has led the professional staff and worked to rebrand the Council, build a robust artist services team, restructure the Council\u2019s programs and services, and launch new initiatives to provide direct funding to the cultural sector. He created the Artist Innovation Fellowship program, awarding 21 Palm Beach County artists to date with career-enhancing funding and opportunities, the Cultural Resiliency Fund and the Artist Relief Fund to help economic recovery for the sector post pandemic. In 2023, Dave conceived and created YES, the Year of Extraordinary Support providing $13.4 million in new and expanded funding \u2013 the largest investment in the cultural sector in the Council\u2019s 46-year history. Dave was awarded the Vision 2020 Award by Art Synergy in West Palm Beach. For the last four years, he has been named one of Palm Beach County\u2019s most influential business leaders in Palm Beach Illustrated\u2019s The Palm Beach 100. Previously, Dave served as the president & CEO of the Arts Council of Indianapolis. There, he was named a Sagamore of the Wabash, one of Indiana\u2019s highest honors, by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Michelle Hillery<\/h4>\n \n

Film Commissioner<\/p>\n \n

Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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Michelle Hillery<\/h4>\n

Film Commissioner<\/p>\n

Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n Michelle Hillery began her career with the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission (FTC) in 1997 and is the current Film Commissioner for Palm Beach County. Hillery facilitates the Commission\u2019s many ambitious programs under contract with the County that actively contribute to tourism through film and television production. She is responsible for driving the operations, marketing, and education departments of the organization. Programs under her supervision include generating a positive impact on business tourism and the economy through the growth of commercial production. Efforts have resulted in back-to-back years of recordbreaking production spend, with an annual economic impact exceeding $247M in 2023 and totaling over $4B in expenditures into the local economy since 1991. Expanding the Commission\u2019s portfolio of services, she manages the County\u2019s official tourism TV channel, The Palm Beaches TV. Launched in 2017, the channel is now broadcasting more than 114 hours of original family-friendly programming. Shows include tourism themed 30-minute programs designed to inspire travel, attract new visitors, and extend the length of stays. Hillery is also responsible for the oversight of a contract with Department of Housing and Economic Development (DHED) and programs relating to education including The Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films (SSOF), Florida\u2019s largest film competition and award show. In 2025 the SSOF will celebrate its 30th anniversary. Hillery is a Past President of Film Florida who served two terms from 2014 to 2016 and later went on to hire the first Executive Director and lobbying team for Film Florida. Before that, Hillery served four terms as the organization\u2019s first Vice President. In addition, Hillery co-chairs the nomination committee and is a member of Film Florida\u2019s Legislative, Marketing, Film Commission, Education and Strategic Futures Committees. Hillery is also an advisor on several other boards including Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach Gardens\u2019 Five Star Magnet Program and the South Florida Fair\u2019s marketing committee. Under Hillery\u2019s leadership, the FTC was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Florida Association for Career & Technical Educators. She has been recognized for her support and dedication in education by Palm Beach State College and Palm Beach Gardens High School. Additionally, she is a graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County class of 2001. Hillery is a graduate of Palm Beach State College and resides in Lake Worth with her husband Sean and their two children <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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George Linley<\/h4>\n \n

Executive Director<\/p>\n \n

Palm Beach County Sports Commission<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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George Linley<\/h4>\n

Executive Director<\/p>\n

Palm Beach County Sports Commission<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n George Linley has been a member of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission (PBCSC) for more than 19 years and its Executive Director for nearly 12 years. During his tenure as executive director, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission has significantly grown the sports landscape and sports tourism impacts in The Palm Beaches.
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\nThe Palm Beach County Sports Commission recently led a recovery effort to revitalize the sports event industry in Palm Beach County, following the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2022, the Sports Commission\u2019s efforts resulted in a record setting year for sports tourism in The Palm Beaches. Over the past year, the Sports Commission hosted 178 events, which represent more than 40 different sports, while generating 293,822 room nights and over $282 million of total economic impact. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission set new benchmarks for sports-related visitors and overnight accommodations for the county\u2019s lodging industry. The number of room nights and visitor spending greatly surpassed the previous, pre-pandemic record setting year of 2019. Sports-related visitors and room nights increased by 31%, over the last 5-year span. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Dave Anderson<\/h4>\n \n

General Manager\/Senior Vice President<\/p>\n \n

Palm Beach County Convention Center<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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Dave Anderson<\/h4>\n

General Manager\/Senior Vice President<\/p>\n

Palm Beach County Convention Center<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Deborah Drum<\/h4>\n \n

Department Director<\/p>\n \n

Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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Deborah Drum<\/h4>\n

Department Director<\/p>\n

Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n As the Director of Palm Beach County\u2019s Department of Environmental Resources Management (ERM), Deborah Drum leads a dedicated team of scientists, engineers, project managers, and environmental professionals committed to the protection, preservation, and restoration of the county\u2019s natural land and water resources, including the Lake Worth Lagoon and the Loxahatchee River. With a distinguished career in public service, Ms. Drum has extensive experience addressing environmental challenges in South Florida. She began her career with the Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management, focusing on wetlands and environmentally sensitive lands. She then held various management and staff positions at the South Florida Water Management District, where she contributed to the restoration of coastal and freshwater ecosystems from the Kissimmee River Valley to the Florida Keys. Prior to her role in Palm Beach County, she served as the Ecosystem Manager for Martin County, leading efforts to combat the region's significant cyanobacteria blooms while working to enhance water quality and safeguard the Indian River Lagoon. Ms. Drum represents local government interests in a variety of collaborative working groups, including as Chair of the Loxahatchee River Preservation Initiative, and as a member of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Working Group, continuing her long-standing passion for the Everglades and its ecosystems. Ms. Drum holds a Bachelor\u2019s degree and a Master\u2019s degree in Marine Science Affairs from the University of Miami, and the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, respectively. She also proudly serves on the United Way of Palm Beach County\u2019s Campaign Council. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Katherine Griffin<\/h4>\n \n

General Manager<\/p>\n \n

OVG Hospitality Palm Beach County Convention Center<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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Katherine Griffin<\/h4>\n

General Manager<\/p>\n

OVG Hospitality Palm Beach County Convention Center<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n Katherine has 35 years of Recreational, Convention, and Corporate Hospitality Experience. From owning her own business for 20 years, BeeSavvy \u2013 Event Hospitality Services, LLC; to operating in the corporate realm. Currently, Katherine is the General Manager of the Palm Beach County Convention Center, ensuring guests receive an exceptional, elevated hospitality experience.
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\nShe has put on events as large as 100,000 people per day, to exclusive intimate events for 10. Former clients include Credit One Stadium, Credit One Open (WTA), Top 25 tournament (PGA), Charleston Battery (MLS), Tampa Stadium, North Charleston Coliseum, Convention Center & Performing Arts Center, Red Frog Events, Firefly Music Festival, Base-fest Music Festival series, Pocono Nascar, Chicago Beer Festival.
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\nA native Bahamian; Katherine was raised in Key Largo, FL, then attended Florida State University where she earned a degree in Hospitality Administration. Katherine and her husband David, have 4 adult children and are new Grandparents.
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Donald P. Dufresne<\/h4>\n \n

Esq.<\/p>\n \n

Tourist Development Council Board Member<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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Donald P. Dufresne<\/h4>\n

Esq.<\/p>\n

Tourist Development Council Board Member<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n Donald P. Dufresne is a shareholder in Becker\u2019s Real Estate and Government\/Lobbying Practice areas, based in the West Palm Beach office. Mr.Dufresne has more than three decades of experience advising clients on a broad range of real property matters, including acquisition, development, sale, construction, leasing, and financing. He also counsels clients on environmental due diligence and represents clients before municipal, county, state and federal governmental bodies and agencies. He has extensive experience in land use, zoning, code enforcement and other regulatory matters, including agricultural tax classifications. Mr. Dufresne\u2019s practice extends to work on agricultural, commercial, condominium, assisted living, equestrian and residential properties. He has a particular focus in equine law and matters involving the equestrian industry. He also advises institutional lenders and commercial borrowers in real property and asset-based lending. Additionally, he is a Certified Circuit Court Mediator and counsels clients in contract negotiations, asset purchase and sale transactions, as well as general business matters. His background allows him to provide input regarding strategic, substantive, and procedural matters in many types of litigation.
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\nMr. Dufresne is involved in many community, civic, and charitable organizations. He serves on the Board of the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council and is a Trustee for both the South Florida Fairgrounds and Palm Beach County\u2019s BizPac. He previously served as a member of the Palm Beach County Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Hearing Board. He is the former chairman of the Village of Wellington Equestrian Preserve Committee and past president of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Davicka Nicole Thompson<\/h4>\n \n \n

Tourist Development Council Board Member<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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Davicka Nicole Thompson<\/h4>\n

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Tourist Development Council Board Member<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n Davicka Thompson is a dedicated advocate for the Palm Beach County community, committed to both professional and philanthropic efforts that drive meaningful change. Professionally, she works to pass policies and secure funding for programs that have a lasting impact, particularly in areas that strengthen community infrastructure and well-being. Her work as a lobbyist ensures that critical initiatives receive the support they need to thrive.
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\nIn her philanthropic endeavors, Davicka serves on the boards of the Tourism Development Council, the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, and the state board for the Children's Home Society of Florida, reflecting her commitment to cultural enrichment and social progress. She also contributes to the Discover the Palm Beaches Community Values Advisory Board, furthering local engagement.
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\nDavicka is also an alumna of Leadership Palm Beach County, Class of 2022, and a member of the National Black Professional Lobbyists Association, and a mentor with Path to College, where she empowers students to realize their potential and become future leaders.
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