The newly created Bermuda Tourism Authority has appointed Bill Hanbury as Chief Executive, effective 27th January 2014. He is an industry veteran with over 25 years of senior management experience.
From 2009-2013 Bill was Chief Executive of the United Way of the National Capital Area, managing an iconic brand at a watershed moment in its history. During his tenure, he rebuilt the internal operating structure, implemented a development strategy that improved financial stability, and rebuilt the organisation’s marketing, communications and digital capabilities.
Prior to that, he served as President and Chief Executive of Destination DC and the American Experience Foundation from 2001-2009. While there he oversaw domestic and international marketing and sales for one of the world’s top tourism destinations. The organisation was responsible for selling the Washington Convention Center and positioning the US capital as a first-tier convention, tourism and events location. His key accomplishments included significantly improving DC’s status in the international tourism marketplace, helping lead the economic recovery of the hospitality industry after 9/11, re-designing Destination DC’s management and marketing functions, plus leading the sales team that booked over one million room nights annually. He also provided logistics leadership for international forums, economic summits, presidential inaugurations, national celebrations, plus memorial and museum dedications.
During his tenure as Chief Executive at various convention bureaux and chambers, including Greater Milwaukee Convention & Visitors Bureau and Hilton Head Island Chamber of Commerce, Bill Hanbury led an industry trend to use sporting events as economic development tools for communities. A sampling of these events included PGA Golf events, USA Triathlon Championships, World Championship Boxing, the National Sports Festival, National Softball Championships, Empire State Games, US Olympic Marathon Trials and National Balloon Festivals.
David Dodwell, Chairman of the BTA, said: “Bill brings tremendous marketing and management expertise that will assist Bermuda as we re-energise the island’s tourism economy to compete in the global marketplace. He has led the rebuilding of other organisations with similar challenges and we look forward to having him form and lead the team at Bermuda Tourism Authority.”
Bill Hanbury: “I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the new Board of Directors, private sector partners and government officials to build a world-class organisation representing Bermuda’s extraordinary tourism assets. Bermuda is one of the globe’s premiere tourism destinations and to have an opportunity to work here is an honour and a significant professional challenge. I look forward to implementing the National Tourism Plan with the intention of creating jobs, increasing tax revenues and improving the overall tourism figures and its input to the Bermuda economy.”
