El Paso, Texas – Destination El Paso is proud to announce the appointment of Veronica Castro as Executive Director of Visit El Paso, recognizing her more than two decades of leadership, dedication, and service to the organization and El Paso’s tourism industry.
Castro most recently served as Director of Tourism Development & Strategic Alliances, a leadership position she held for the past nine years. In her new role, she will oversee the full Visit El Paso team and lead the organization’s efforts to strengthen El Paso’s visitor economy, elevate the destination’s profile, develop strategic partnerships and continue positioning El Paso as a premier destination for leisure travel, meetings, sports and group business.
In celebration of Castro’s appointment and contributions to El Paso’s tourism industry, the iconic Star on the Mountain will be illuminated in Visit El Paso colors tonight, August 21, honoring this milestone in her career and her continued dedication to promoting the Sun City.
“Veronica has dedicated her career to Destination El Paso and to sharing the very best of our community with the world,” said Brooke Underwood, President & CEO of Destination El Paso. “Her knowledge of this organization, our tourism industry, and, most importantly, our community is invaluable. Veronica understands that destination development is about more than attracting visitors; it is about creating opportunities for our local businesses, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that tourism positively contributes to the quality of life in El Paso. I am incredibly proud to have her step into this role and excited for the leadership she will bring to the entire Visit El Paso team.”
Throughout her tenure with Destination El Paso, Castro has progressively advanced through leadership roles spanning tourism development, destination marketing, visitor services, international market development, and strategic partnerships. Her career has been defined by her ability to bring together public and private partners and to develop initiatives that expand visitation and strengthen El Paso’s position in the tourism industry.
During her tenure, Castro has helped expand El Paso’s tourism presence throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada, building relationships with travel trade professionals, media, tour operators and industry organizations. Her work has also strengthened regional collaboration with Fort Bliss, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua City, Las Cruces, and the Big Bend region, helping position El Paso as a gateway to a broader binational and regional travel experience.
Castro holds both the Texas Destination Marketer (TDM) and Certified Tourism Executive (CTE) professional designations. Her contributions to the destination and community have also earned significant local recognition, including the City of El Paso’s proclamation of May 16 as “Veronica Castro Day” in honor of her service to and contributions to El Paso’s tourism industry. Most recently, Castro was recognized as part of the inaugural group of honorees for The Concilio’s Texas Latino Legacy Awards, which celebrate Latino leaders whose work and service have made a meaningful impact across Texas.
“This opportunity represents more than a new title; it represents the community and organization I have had the privilege of serving for more than two decades,” said Castro. “El Paso is a destination unlike any other, and I am incredibly proud of the work our team has done to share its story. I look forward to leading Visit El Paso into its next chapter, continuing to strengthen our partnerships and finding new opportunities to grow our visitor economy while ensuring our work benefits the community we are so proud to represent.”
The mission of Destination El Paso is to provide convention, tourism, venue, and event management services to visitors, clients, and the greater El Paso community so they can enjoy a pleasurable experience that enhances quality of life and generates economic growth.
