At Learn Tourism, we believe that education transforms destinations, empowers communities, and inspires the people who welcome the world. Today, we’re thrilled to share some exciting news that strengthens our ability to do just that: two exceptional leaders are joining our Advisory Panel — Julie Coker of New York City Tourism + Conventions and Dr. Renée Minnaar of Consult Renée.
Our Advisory Panel isn’t just ceremonial — it’s the sounding board, think tank, and guiding compass for our work. Panel members bring global perspectives and practical experience that help us design programs for real-world impact. With the combined expertise of Julie and Renée, we’re adding decades of leadership, innovation, and academic insight to our mission.
Julie Coker’s name is synonymous with tourism leadership. A proud Wilmington, Delaware native, she was unanimously appointed President & CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions on October 22, 2024, officially stepping into the role on December 9, 2024.
Before arriving in New York City, Julie served as President & CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority, where she guided the region’s post-pandemic recovery with record visitor spending, higher hotel occupancy, and renewed convention business.
Her time as President & CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau was equally impressive — from overseeing the 2016 Democratic National Convention to managing the 2017 NFL Draft, Julie has led high-profile events that put destinations on the global stage. She also contributes her expertise to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, U.S. Travel Association, Visit California, and more.
Dr. Renée Minnaar brings over 21 years of tourism and hospitality experience, including 14 years as a lecturer and an expansive consulting career. In 2017, she founded Consult Renée, where she advises governments, destination organizations, and private enterprises on sustainable growth, workforce development, and skills forecasting.
With a PhD in Tourism Management specializing in econometrics, Renée combines research precision with hands-on application. Her work consistently focuses on balancing economic gains with long-term community and environmental well-being — a philosophy that aligns perfectly with Learn Tourism’s values.
The addition of Julie and Renée to our Advisory Panel is more than an honor — it’s a strategic step toward deepening our impact on tourism professionals around the world. Their voices will help guide our educational programs, ensuring that they remain relevant, science-based, and truly transformative for the people who make travel possible.
We can’t wait to see how their perspectives will inspire new ideas, challenge us to think bigger, and ultimately help create a stronger, more sustainable tourism industry.
About Learn Tourism the nonprofit academy...
Learn Tourism is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the tourism industry through innovative educational practices and professional development initiatives. Our mission is to harness the power of science, business psychology, and adult education to build sustainable economies and enrich the tourism landscape.