Global sports and entertainment agency 54 is seeking further growth in its capability to deliver high-impact tourism strategies for major sporting destinations and events with the arrival of Daniel Wright in the role of Head of Tourism.
Wright, who has extensive experience in the luxury hospitality industry with individual properties, management firms, DMCs, and has enjoyed close working relationships throughout his career with national authorities, will lead on tourism development across 54’s global client portfolio. He is tasked with ensuring best-in-class delivery of strategic solutions to help destinations increase global visibility and inbound visits.
Another crucial component of the role will be facilitating connectivity across destination stakeholders to leverage the collective strength of tourism assets, and consulting on national development programmes on behalf of governments, tourism authorities, owners and investors.
Wright has been based in the UAE for close to a decade, welcoming inbound guests from around the world to enjoy golf, motorsport and other sporting events and activities in the Middle East.
Most recently, he worked for Miral Destinations alongside the Department of Culture of Tourism of Abu Dhabi to promote all assets on Saadiyat Island, a location renowned for its luxury hospitality and cultural experiences.
Wright said: “It’s a hugely exciting time to be joining the 54 team as it experiences rapid expansion across the world. Our growing footprint will bring new opportunities to destinations seeking to grow their share of the international travel market post-pandemic. Our service set is ideally positioned to deliver holistic solutions, both upstream in areas like strategic advisory and commercial strategy, and in downstream with events and marketing.
“I have long-admired 54’s innovative and ambitious spirit, and look forward to showing existing and future clients the scale of what we can achieve together”.
Ed Edwards, 54 CEO, said: “54, among other founding services, was established as a solutions provider for individual properties and destinations, offering expertise which helped maximise revenue returns from sports tourism assets. It’s a pleasure to add Daniel to the team and enhance this capability still further, which is going to unlock significant value to 54 clients in inbound visitation, asset utilisation and capital appreciation.”
