Greater Wildwoods Tourism authority names new executive director

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As Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority’s longtime executive director John Siciliano prepares to retire, the tourism marketing organization has named a successor to take his place.

In a June 5 press release, GWTIDA announced the appointment of Louis Belasco, a Wildwood native with experience working in municipal government, including as a deputy city manager, tax assessor and CRS (Community Rating System) coordinator for the City of Cape May.

He’s also held positions as tax assessor for the Borough of West Cape May and as tax assessor and city administrator for the City of North Wildwood.

“I am looking forward to serving in this new role and working alongside the outstanding GWTIDA team to continue their great work in promoting the Wildwoods,” said Belasco, who currently lives in Wildwood Crest with his family.

Belasco will start July 1, a day after Siciliano steps down, concluding a 27-year run with GWTIDA as executive director and chief financial officer.

Under his leadership, the Wildwoods – which is comprised of the Borough of Wildwood Crest, the City of Wildwood and the City of North Wildwood – have grown into a top tourism and marketing destination. 

His accomplishments include overseeing the construction and 2002 opening of the Wildwoods Convention Center, a venue that draws numerous annual conferences, meetings, banquets, sports events, youth programs and concerts.

“Having served GWTIDA and the Wildwoods community for the last twenty-seven and a half years has been an extremely rewarding experience for me, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I am grateful for the opportunity, and I am confident that under Lou’s leadership, the Wildwoods will continue to thrive and achieve continued success,” said Siciliano.

A representative for GWTIDA told NJBIZ that the organization is not filling the CFO position at this time and that Belasco will oversee the finance department.