Visit Seattle President & CEO Tammy Canavan Honored at Puget Sound Business Journal Women of Influence Awards

Canavan’s service to hospitality industry recognized among local business leaders

SEATTLE — Visit Seattle President & CEO Tammy Canavan’s contributions to the region’s tourism economy were celebrated at the Puget Sound Business Journal Women of Influence Awards. Canavan, well into her fourth year leading Visit Seattle – the non-profit destination marketing organization (DMO) serving Seattle and King County – is the first executive from the organization to receive this prestigious honor and the only hospitality executive in this year’s cohort of awardees.

“We congratulate Tammy on this distinction, and proudly honor her many accomplishments as an exemplary leader, partner, mentor, and friend to Seattle’s hospitality community,” said Callette Nielsen, Visit Seattle Board Chair and General Manager for Sheraton Grand Seattle. “Tammy’s vision and sound leadership approach have made a lasting impact to not only the Visit Seattle organization, but to the region at large. She has been instrumental in welcoming a new era of growth for Seattle, which is helping to shape a dynamic future for our city.”

Notably, Canavan is overseeing the organization as it prepares to be on a global stage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most significant sporting event in city history. She has led the organization through other milestone sporting events like the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, the NHL Winter Classic in 2024, and the MLB All-Star Game in 2023 – partnering with the Seattle Sports Commission, local sports franchises, the hotel community, and other civic organizations on the successful growth of the city’s reputation as a world-class sports and entertainment destination.

Other major city happenings during Canavan’s tenure include the opening of Seattle Convention Center’s Summit building, the international growth at SEA Airport, the revitalization of the Waterfront, the expansion of the light rail, the reimagining of the Seattle Tourism Improvement Area (STIA), and the launch of the Downtown Activation Plan. These developments have redefined Seattle and King County and have afforded Canavan and her team the ability to take a well-rounded, community-centric approach to tourism.

The Puget Sound Business Journal Women of Influence Awards is an annual program recognizing women who are driving forces in the region’s economy. The program has honored more than 300 women since it launched 22 years ago. Former recipients include Fortune 500 executives, local icons, and industry pioneers. This year’s cohort of 19 honorees was recognized at a reception on Nov. 19.

Visit Seattle’s first female President & CEO, Tammy joined the organization in early 2022 after tenures as President & CEO for See Monterey and Travel Tacoma. She was also a member of the senior leadership team of Tourism Vancouver (Canada) for over a decade. With Canavan’s rich experience and comfortable leadership style, Visit Seattle has grown to become a robust destination marketing organization of approximately 90 people. In addition to her role with Visit Seattle, Canavan serves on the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, a team of national hospitality executives appointed to advise the Federal Government on increasing travel to and within the U.S.

Canavan’s guiding principle is that “it’s not just about the visitors” — she feels it’s important to get the community, local government, and local businesses invested and engaged in the local tourism economy, recognizing how the economic impact of visitation and city enhancements improve locals’ livelihoods and their quality of life.

More information on Tammy and this year’s nominees can be viewed here.

About Visit Seattle:

Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales, and overseas tourism development. Visit visitseattle.org.