Tourism Authority Announces New Appointments

February 25, 2014

[Updated] The Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA] today announced five new appointments, all of whom are Bermudian or spouses of a Bermudian.

Bill Hanbury, CEO of Bermuda Tourism Authority, said, “We are extremely excited to welcome these five new team members to the BTA. I believe the skills and experience these individuals bring to the table will help us to fulfill our goal as a dynamic and collaborative organisation to revitalise tourism in Bermuda.

“We are very pleased to now be starting to fill out the BTA with dedicated, skilled professionals. We look forward to continuing to update Bermuda as the process of building our team continues.”

The BTA said, “As the new Director of Research and Business Intelligence, Erin Smith will play an integral role in supporting Bermuda’s tourism product development, marketing and investment strategies through conducting and evaluating research, reporting on key market trends and monitoring lodging performance metrics and visitor statistics.

“Since 2012, Ms. Smith served as Director of Marketing & Operations for the Bermuda Tourism Board. Prior to that, she was the Marketing & Research Manager at the Bermuda Hotel Association/Bermuda Alliance for Tourism for one year. Ms. Smith also spent several years in senior roles at two local marketing agencies – AdVantage and eMedia.

“Ms. Smith began her career in 2001 in Ohio after graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. She started out at StrataMark Research and in 2005 she joined market research provider TNS Global as Senior Marketing Project Director before moving to Bermuda in 2007.

Tashae Thompson has joined the BTA as the Culture & Leisure Events Manager. Reporting to the Chief Product and Experience Development Officer, she will be charged with developing and managing leisure and cultural events and experiences for visitors to Bermuda.

Ms. Thompson has transitioned into her new role from her position as Manager, Events & Product Development with the Bermuda Department of Tourism [BDOT], where she managed and coordinated all elements of event planning associated with the BDOT’s on-island events and departmental programmes.

L-R: New BTA appointees Erin Smith, Tashae Thompson, Adam Barboza, Lyn Winford, and Rasheeda Burgess:

BTA appointments

“Having been with the BDOT since 2008 in various capacities, Ms. Thompson has a wide range of experience related to tourism, marketing, and event management. Ms. Thompson received her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of North Florida before completing a master’s in business administration and a master’s in sports business management from the University of Central Florida.

“The BTA is pleased to welcome Adam Barboza as Sports and Event Development Manager. Mr. Barboza has been with BDOT since 2002, first as Market Research Officer until 2005, when he was promoted to Manager, Sports Marketing. In this role, he was charged with the development, implementation, and tracking of numerous sports-related tourism events including the signature PGA Grand Slam of Golf, the Newport to Bermuda Race, and World Rugby Classic, plus various others on the annual sports tourism calendar.

“Prior to that, Mr. Barboza served as a Bermuda Customs Officer for eight years. Throughout his career, Mr. Barboza has been a fixture within the local and international sports scene. He managed multiple national championship sailing campaigns, as well as competed in and oversaw campaigns to qualify in the Olympics for 1992 [Finn Class], 1996 [Laser Class], and 2000 [Soling Class].

“His involvement in sports extends to the coaching level as a mentor to both young people and adults in various sports. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Region & Small Town Geography and Economics, Mr. Barboza graduated from Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada.

“In the Sales and Marketing department, the BTA has enlisted Lyn Winford. As Creative Services Manager, Ms. Winford will be working with the Marketing Manager to develop all creative materials for sales, trade shows and events, external customers, and agencies.

“Ms. Winford joins the BTA after working with BDOT since 2007 as Graphic Designer and Photoshoot Director and Stylist. After earning a Bachelor of Applied Science at Oakwood University, Ms. Winford worked at Trimingham Brothers in graphic design and fashion styling. She then went on to study fashion design in Italy and at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, and has worked with such high profile brands as Polo, Ralph Lauren, and Badgley Mischka – Platinum Label.

“Rasheeda Burgess has been brought aboard in the Product and Experience Development Department as Assistant Product Development Manager supporting the Sports and Events Development Manager, Cultural and Leisure Events Manager, and External Coordination Manager.

“Ms. Burgess has been a part of the BTA Transition Team since September 2013 as Project Coordinator. Prior to that, Ms. Burgess held various positions in event planning, coordination and development at Diamond Receptions, Kreative Koncepts and Mount Saint Vincent University International Students Society.

“She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration concentrating in Management and Tourism & Hospitality Management. She went on to obtain Master’s degrees in both Business Administration Tourism and International Hotel Management and Project Management, as well as certification as an International Events and Wedding Professional.”

Update 5.12pm: Shadow Tourism Minister Wayne Furbert said, “The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party welcomes the appointments of Erin Smith, Tashae Thompson, Adam Barboza, Lyn Winford, and Rasheeda Burgess to the Bermuda Tourism Authority Team.

“They each have served Bermuda and the Bermuda Department of Tourism well over the years and we are certain that they will continue to do an excellent job in taking Bermuda’s tourism product to new heights.”

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Comments (53)

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  1. LMAO says:

    Most with BA degrees, 1st degrees and downplayed HMMMMM?

  2. splittin hairs says:

    Yep, why get degrees when favoritism comes 1st. We hear all the while, Bermudians needs education and then, it comes down to who knows you?

    • Gotham says:

      Actually, all too often it comes down to the colour of your skin, both ways by the way.

    • JUNK YARD DOG says:

      “The truth will set you free” !

      NEPOTISM.
      That kind of “Stench of Nepotism” was practiced back then and even is prevalent today.

      BEDS.
      Where are all the beds for all the tourists, it is not cart before the Horse is it ? When tourists come here or do they have to bring a tent.

      ACCOMMODATIONS.
      There are many empty Bermuda homes and apartments here presently available for our visitors give that project to the Bermuda Housing Corporation.

      Minimum rental / stay 7 days.

    • Mike Hind says:

      So, let me get this straight…

      Most of these folks came from the DOT.

      When the DOT was ended, folks were screaming about all the jobs being lost and how everyone was fired and how the TA was lying about rehiring the DOT folks.

      Now, you’re complaining that people from the DOT are being hired by the TA?

      Are you serious?

  3. somuchless says:

    Nice. Can we get a list of the total team?

    • BETTTY TRUMP says:

      Erin Smith, Tashae Thompson, Adam Barboza, Lyn Winford, and Rasheeda Burgess Congratulations, Congratulations, on your appointment. I know that your youth and talent will add to growing our Tourism product.

      Stand Strong, and thanks for working in the best interest of Bermuda.

      Much LOVE !!

  4. Tony Brannon says:

    Congrats to all….. I look forward to working with all of you !

  5. Gotham says:

    Perhaps Mr. Wayne Furbert could write a piece for Bernews explaining how these appointments are without doubt a conspiracy by powerful UBP interests and why this is so terrible.

    • inna says:

      LOL im sure it is coming soon!

    • CUBALibra says:

      or betty trum (pet)who loves to speak drivel and pro union/plp all the time instead of offering CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. The Flip Flop and Betty Show

      • BETTTY TRUMP says:

        “A good neighbor is a fellow who smiles at you over the back fence, but doesn’t climb over it.” — Arthur Baer

        Love you and the other UBPoba Diehards so much, so much. It is okay however, that we have different Political Ideologies. This is normal, as seldom does a man agree upon the same thing, and it is okay to disagree respectfully. Political debate are healthy, as long as one side can respect others point of views. I look forward to debating political issues, as I respect the various views others bring to the table.

        My love for mankind is strong. That is why I can say I love you, regardless that you sit on the far end of the fence.

        Love. I hope that someday the ONE BERMUDA is what I can see, hopefully you and others, plus myself can help to make that happen.

  6. somuchless says:

    I am all for this but anyone with any actual tourism related experience?

    • hard at work says:

      Really? From what I read all but one of them worked with Bda.Department of Tourism or the Tourism Board. And the one that it doesnt specify where she worked has degrees in Tourism and Hospitality. They all seem rightly qualified for these positions.

  7. Proof Reader says:

    try reading the article before commenting. 3 of the hires are from the BDOT and have gained excellent experience in tourism.

    • LiarLiar says:

      Reading and facts don’t matter. The BTA wasn’t their ‘team’s’ idea/initiative so inevitably it is wrong and now staffed with a bunch of incompetents.

      They lust for the days of returning to the failed satus quo when it comes to tourism.

      Good luck to all BTA staffers as you will need it after these know it all commentators disparage your abilities and discredit your overall personalities. It is sick, but it is where we are at the moment with our political tribalism.

    • terry says:

      I read that.
      Basically a confirmation that they are still employed by Government.

  8. I heart 441 says:

    Their young! I’m young myself, but I was expecting a few more seasoned veterans to intertwine with the youth movement to make our tourism product prosper again.

    Just like a football team, a team wins championships with experienced players along with youngsters.

    Overall I wish them all the best.I hope that even though I’m judging them based on their age they turn around our tourism product.

    Sports tourism has definitely been a great market to go after.

  9. LMAO says:

    With self serving Tony B, how can they go wrong?

  10. Scotty says:

    This is becoming another bureaucratic nightmare. First degrees are for entry level positions today. Experiences have been garnered in the DOT which was ineffective at best. Graduate degrees and relevant international experience of personnel is what is required for the BTA to go forward. I am puzzled as to how this new entity is going to be more effective than the DOT. All that has been done to date is the employment of an expensive CEO and a shuffling of personnel. It is more than obvious that this is going to cost taxpayers as much if not more than the DOT.

    • Mike Hind says:

      Why not ask them?
      If you really want to know, send someone in the TA these questions.
      Putting it out here on a news site isn’t going to get answers.

      And presenting speculation and misinformation as fact (“it is more than obvious that this is going to cost taxpayers as much if not more than the DOT”, a statement that an ounce of research would show is completely false) shows one of two things: Your demagogy or your ignorance.

      Makes me wonder why you’d post stuff like this.
      HMMMMM….

  11. Jus' Askin' says:

    Who will own the BTA when it is privatized?

    • Mike Hind says:

      One would assume: The BTA.

      But I’m sure if you got in contact with them, you’d get an answer.

      Wonder why you haven’t done that yet.

  12. nuffin but the truth says:

    Good,I’m Happy to see BERMUDIANS getting these Tourism Jobs
    now you can go back to the USA,Bill Hanbury you are no longer needed here.
    Have a Nice Flight.

    • somuchless says:

      Don’t flame the man… Yet. Give him 3 to 6 months.

    • Rockfish#1and #2 says:

      “All of whom are Bermudians or spouses of a Bermudian” Really?

    • Mike Hind says:

      Is there any reason you want Mr. Hanbury gone, other than the fact that he’s not Bermudian?

      If not, you aren’t allowed to get offended when someone calls you xenophobic.

  13. Hmmmmm says:

    Maybe they’ll come up with more “original ideas” like Love Month which they announced with a whimper a few weeks ago. It bore an uncanny resemblance to the International Love Festival brought to you compliments of….you guessed it…Dr. Brown. So, in the same month the OBA has taken credit for India in workforce development and announced Love Month for February while racking up $50,000 in travel expenses to Singapore. Change you can believe in for real.

  14. somuchless says:

    Where is billy Griffith?

    • Another PRC leaving with our $ says:

      Chillin’ on da beach in Barbados in front of his villa while cashing those fat BDA gov’t pension checks while he still can!

  15. Raymond L. Robinson says:

    Congrats to all from BTA (Dispatching) Ltd. Bermuda’s No. 1 Transportation company. Looking forward to working with everyone.

  16. Seament says:

    Why don’t you losers do something to help our tourism biz. Steady commentary like this nasty stuff across all kind of subject matter is why people think twice about coming. If you were even close to the industry, you would know that we have an excellent product and what it needs is positive public commentary so that people would feel comfortable booking a happy vacation
    I’m not sure where else you can read this kind of crap about other competing destinations on a daily basis.
    None of you obviously need a job or money if you feel you can sit and hit the keys to everybody else’s detriment.

    • The Messenger says:

      Seament,

      It would have been nice if you had expressed the same kind sentiments when the PLP were the government. I am sick and tired of you hypocrites.

      • Mike Hind says:

        Someone’s got selective memory!

        Do some research before you post such completely false nonsense.

        If you’re sick of hypocrites, clean out your own closet first!

  17. Coffee says:

    Wow a young dynamic group of professionals ,well done . Can any one of them mix a drink , serve a meal , make up a guest room , fold linen or give courteous guest services in diverse areas of a major hotel , port of entry or visitor service center ?

    • ChickenLicken says:

      according to the profiles they’re all book and college smart with no actual work in the industry. hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

    • The Messenger says:

      As the oldtime Black Bermudians would say: They don’t even know how to lift a finger!

      • Mike Hind says:

        You know this how?

        Or is it just more childish lashing out because you’re still mad your party didn’t win the election?

        I’m going to guess the latter, unless you want to back up your claim?

    • Mike Hind says:

      Why would ANY of that be part of the jobs they will be doing?
      I get what you’re saying, and it would be nice if they had some hands-on experience, but it seems that you’re saying that this should be a stipulation for the job. It shouldn’t, in my opinion.

  18. Looking in says:

    Good luck to all.
    It is so refreshing seeing qualified and accountable people!

    • The Messenger says:

      It remains to be seen what miracles they are going to wrought. It isn’t surprising to hear congratulatory comments emanating from a certain corner of Bermuda’s world. We all know who you are.

      • Mike Hind says:

        This constant stream of misinformation and tantrum-like behaviour is becoming more and more transparent.

        No one is expecting or asking for miracles. Most folks are just asking for competence.

        And the congratulations? They’re for getting appointed.
        Isn’t that something to celebrate?

        Finally, I, personally, DON’T know who you are talking about.
        Care to show an ounce of courage and explain what you mean?

        I doubt it.

  19. Hot Button says:

    Give them what they need to get the job done. Let’s see where we will be next year. We are up against fierce competition.

  20. LMAO says:

    Please don’t let Tony B anywhere next taxpayers dollars.

  21. Bermuda123 says:

    I hope these appointees are not reading these comments as they are mostly negative and unsupportive. However, if you are, then congratulations to you all. Bermuda needs your talents and good luck in your new roles.

  22. Ok …that’s fine….kudodinus kudos given…however…Where does one go to seek permission to operate a brothel?It is my firm opinion …and my resolve is erect in this matter…that a well run brothel would save our economy!Why…I venture…a well run brothel would bolst’r tourism……the only problem would be immigration…de way I see it…see…is…we bring in women from all over….the best of the best from the four corners o’de globe…we take their best…and make em come here to get some…den we rentem beds …see…all wve gottah do is supply kleen sheets!

  23. Tommy Chong says:

    Hopefully this group is utilised instead of seeking a foreign companies assistance like the previous government did. That other, “So Much More” campaign was lame & had no real connect with the market segments that could be reached. Hopefully the tourism authority gets on the grind soon because summer is almost here.

  24. The Messenger says:

    Where are the Black males? Lately, I am seeing a lot of wHITE faces in high places.

    • Mike Hind says:

      So… black women don’t count? Is that what you’re saying?
      ‘Cuz you seem to be discounting them when you’re counting faces.

      Weird you should do that.