12 August 2026
195: Gary Sherwin • The Power of a Private-Sector Tourism Improvement District
DMOU: Destination Marketing Organization University
About
Gary Sherwin is the CEO of Newport Beach & Company, a DMO that features an organizational model that I’ve always believed to be the most elegant and effective out there. Indeed, we featured it prominently in our position paper, “A New Vision for Community Development.” Well, the innovation hasn't stopped there as Gary has recently helped develop a private-sector Tourism Improvement District in which the hotels contract directly with Newport Beach & Company with no municipal intermediary. It’s probably not for everyone…but you owe yourself a listen. Plus, Gary discusses the past 20 years of Destination Branding since his book Destination Brand Science was released…and one of the most unusual Bonus Round Questions we’ve ever had. Join us.