Photo Credit: lucky-photo for Adobe Stock
Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and president of MGM Resorts International, has been selected as national chair of the U.S. Travel Association. His appointment by the board of directors was formalized by a membership vote, and his two-year term begins immediately, as he assumes the role most recently held by Hilton president and CEO Chris Nassetta.
Bill Hornbuckle, president and CEO of MGM Resorts Photo Credit: U.S. Travel Association"I’m grateful for this honor and excited to be joining U.S. Travel at such an important time," Hornbuckle said. "America remains at the forefront of travel and hospitality, and it’s vital that we do all we can to keep our industry and economy thriving. We are entering a period of once-in-a-lifetime events and opportunities unlike anything our country has seen in recent years. I’m proud to join this storied organization and look forward to helping the industry and the country succeed."
Hornbuckle's expertise with advocacy was praised by U.S. Travel president and CEO Geoff Freeman. "Bill’s prior leadership of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board provides him a unique understanding of key issues and the levers that need to be pulled to achieve success in Washington," Freeman said.
In thanking Nassetta for his tenure as chair, Freeman credited him with shaping and speeding the organization's transition into "a focused and sophisticated trade association."
Among the priorities under Hornbuckle's watch will be to maximize the coming decade of huge events, such as the 2025 Ryder Cup, the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. Hornbuckle will lead an executive board consisting of 30 members, representing all segments of the travel industry, as well as a board of delegates who serve an advisory role.