A US national has been appointed to lead the newly-formed Bermuda Tourism Authority which will take over most operations previously managed by the Tourism ministry.
American Bill Hanbury takes up the position of CEO for the BTA from today and will report to the Board of Directors.
A tourism industry veteran for over 25 years, he brings expertise as former CEO of Destination DC and the American Experience Foundation, head of Greater Milwaukee Convention & Visitors Bureau and has served on the boards of the US Travel Association and the Professional Convention Management Association.
Speaking to the media, Mr Hanbury laid out his immediate goals for Bermuda’s tourism industry.
This includes implementing the National Tourism Plan to increase job opportunities, grow tax revenues and aggressively attract new investment in the sector.
The new Tourism Authority came about after the Bermuda government decided to remove all tourism activities away from the political arena.
The new BTA will function as a private sector entity and will be responsible for all tourism related activities except for legal policy and licensing.
There was a fall of 4% in tourist arrivals during the first six months of 2013, impacted by a reduced number of cruise calls during the year, according to the BTA.
