19 Newsmakers Episode 18: Destination Cleveland’s David Gilbert talks tourism, jobs and Cleveland’s image

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Every Monday, 19 News anchor Brian Duffy interviews the people who are shaping the present and future of Northeast Ohio.

David Gilbert, president and CEO of Destination Cleveland, is the guest on this week’s episode of 19 Newsmakers.

Destination Cleveland describes itself as an “unapologetic promoter of Cleveland.” The organization is a nonprofit funded by a hotel tax in Cuyahoga County.

Supporting thousands of jobs

Gilbert said Destination Cleveland supports 70,000 jobs in the area by bringing people into the region and working to make sure they want to come back.

He said the organization’s work centers on three main pillars. The first is attracting people and dollars to northeast Ohio. Destination Cleveland markets the community as part of that effort.

The second pillar is serving as a steward of the perception of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.

“We are the stewards of the perception of this community inside and outside, and it is critically important for a city like Cleveland that has battled that for a long time,” Gilbert said. “These are business issues, these are economic issues. This isn’t just do we feel good about ourselves, do other people like us or not. This is about business, about dollars and cents.”

The third pillar is connecting the dots of a visitor’s experience to encourage people to return to the city.

More from Gilbert coming soon

Gilbert also serves as president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission. He is scheduled to appear on a future edition of 19 Newsmakers to discuss that role.

19 Newsmakers streams Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. on 19 News Plus, following 19 News at 6:00.

Learn more about Brian Duffy and this week’s guest.