The San Diego Tourism Authority has named Daniel Kuperschmid as its new President and Chief Executive Officer.
A seasoned hospitality leader with 30 years at Hyatt Hotels, Kuperschmid most recently served as Vice President of Global Asset Management, overseeing a portfolio of 42 properties worldwide.
His appointment follows an extensive four-month national search led by SearchWide Global in collaboration with a committee of regional tourism and business leaders. Kuperschmid will officially step into the role on March 24.
“Tourism is a critical economic engine of our city, generating $22 billion in economic activity and shaping our future growth,” said Shawn Dixon, SDTA Board Chair and Chief Operating Officer of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “Daniel’s experience and leadership will further unite our tourism community and elevate our destination, strengthening San Diego’s position as a world-class destination.”
Kuperschmid launched his hospitality career as a sales manager at Hyatt New Orleans, rising through the ranks in sales and marketing across various U.S. markets. He later served as General Manager at Hyatt properties in Arizona, New Mexico, and California. From 2018 to 2024, he led the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego as Area Vice President and General Manager, overseeing eight Southern California hotels, including the Hyatt Regency properties in Mission Bay and La Jolla, as well as Andaz San Diego.
Throughout his Hyatt tenure, he played a key role in boosting revenue growth, driving group sales, and managing major property renovations. He also prioritized diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, implementing workplace initiatives that enhanced both guest and employee satisfaction.
“After 30 years with Hyatt, I am incredibly grateful for the experiences and relationships that shaped my career in hospitality and tourism,” Kuperschmid said. “Hyatt taught me the power of exceptional service, collaboration, and innovation — values I look forward to continuing at the San Diego Tourism Authority. The team at SDTA has done an outstanding job in making San Diego one of the top destinations in the U.S., and I am honored to build upon their efforts.”
Kuperschmid is no stranger to SDTA, having served on its Board of Directors—including as Board Chair from 2019 to 2023. During his tenure, he played a key role in selecting Julie Coker as SDTA’s previous President and CEO and worked alongside her to guide the tourism industry through the challenges of the pandemic and its recovery. He has also been actively involved in local tourism initiatives, serving on the advisory committee for the Yes for a Better San Diego campaign and the San Diego Tourism Marketing District Board.
“Daniel brings a wealth of expertise in tourism and is an enthusiastic advocate for our travel industry, understanding its economic impact on San Diego’s economy,” said Annie Fitzgerald, SDTA’s Vice Chair and General Manager of the Westgate Hotel. “His extensive background in marketing and sales, combined with his proven record in building high-performing teams and managing multifaceted operations, positions him perfectly to lead SDTA into its next chapter of success.”
Kuperschmid takes the helm at a time when San Diego’s tourism industry is thriving. In 2024, the city welcomed 32 million visitors, who contributed a record $14.6 billion in direct spending. Hotel occupancy rates reached record highs, solidifying San Diego’s status as a top-performing hospitality market. According to STR, a leading hospitality analytics firm, San Diego County ranked third among the top 25 U.S. hotel markets for occupancy, reaching 74.3%—trailing only Oahu and New York but surpassing Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Francisco.
“Tourism is a powerful economic engine that creates jobs and enriches both our visitors and residents,” Kuperschmid said. “I’m grateful for SDTA’s Board of Directors’ confidence in me, and I look forward to working with the talented SDTA team to further establish San Diego’s position as a premier global destination.”
Kuperschmid has a Bachelor’s Degree in hospitality management from Johnson & Wales University.
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