Kara Franker has been appointed as the new president and chief executive officer of Visit Florida Keys, the operations corporation for the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. With a background in tourism marketing, legal expertise, and executive management, Franker brings a wealth of experience to the role. Selected from a pool of four finalists after a nationwide search, her appointment is seen as a strategic move to further enhance tourism in the Florida Keys.
Background and Qualifications
Prior to joining Visit Florida Keys, Franker served as the chief executive officer of Visit Estes Park in Colorado. Her experience in destination management and marketing has earned her recognition in the tourism industry, including certification as a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) by Destinations International. This prestigious designation signifies her commitment to excellence in destination marketing and management.
Franker’s expertise extends beyond traditional tourism strategies; she has also authored white papers on artificial intelligence and holds an executive certificate in artificial intelligence and business strategy from the MIT Sloan School of Management. This unique blend of skills positions her as a forward-thinking leader in the tourism industry, poised to drive innovation and growth in the Florida Keys.
Goals and Initiatives
As the new president of Visit Florida Keys, Franker’s top priority is to achieve Destination Management Accreditation Program certification for the Florida Keys & Key West through Destinations International. This certification is a testament to the destination’s commitment to excellence in sustainable tourism practices and community engagement. To achieve this goal, Franker plans to embark on a listening tour to engage with Keys residents and stakeholders, fostering relationships and gathering feedback to inform future initiatives.
In addition to pursuing accreditation, Franker aims to build on the momentum of existing marketing programs to maintain the Florida Keys’ market share. By strengthening community engagement and implementing strategic marketing campaigns, she hopes to enhance the destination’s visibility and appeal to travelers seeking a unique and authentic experience in the Keys.
Experience and Expertise
Franker’s background as a senior vice president of marketing and communications for Visit Lauderdale in Broward County, Florida, has equipped her with valuable insights into destination marketing and promotion. Her work with clients such as VISIT FLORIDA and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau has honed her strategic communications skills, enabling her to effectively craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
As a seasoned travel journalist and editor-in-chief of multiple luxury magazine titles, Franker has a deep understanding of the travel industry and consumer preferences. Her experience working with top-tier publications such as Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Travel Channel has given her a platform to showcase the unique attractions and experiences that the Florida Keys have to offer.
In her role as a Florida licensed attorney and former Miami-Dade County assistant state attorney, Franker brings a legal perspective to her leadership approach, ensuring compliance with regulations and guidelines while driving strategic initiatives. Her educational background in journalism and strategic communications further enhances her ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences and drive engagement.
Community Engagement and Collaboration
Franker’s commitment to community engagement and collaboration is evident in her past roles and initiatives. As a member of various industry boards and committees, including the U.S. Travel Association and Destinations International, she has advocated for the importance of collaboration and partnership in driving tourism growth. By fostering relationships with key stakeholders and community members, Franker aims to create a unified vision for the Florida Keys that prioritizes sustainability, authenticity, and inclusivity.
In her new role at Visit Florida Keys, Franker plans to leverage her extensive network and experience to forge partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and government agencies. By working collaboratively with key stakeholders, she hopes to create a cohesive and integrated approach to destination management that benefits the entire community and enhances the visitor experience.
Overall, Kara Franker’s appointment as the new president and CEO of Visit Florida Keys signals a new era of innovation and growth for the destination. With her diverse background, strategic vision, and commitment to community engagement, Franker is poised to lead the Florida Keys to new heights of success in the tourism industry.