The U.S. Travel Association has announced the appointment of Bill Hornbuckle as the national chair of its board of directors. Hornbuckle, who currently serves as the president and CEO of MGM Resorts International, will take on the role for a two-year term, succeeding Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta.
Hornbuckle’s appointment comes as the travel industry continues to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and navigate new challenges in domestic and international tourism. His prior experience leading the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board has equipped him with a deep understanding of the complexities of the travel sector and the policy levers necessary to advance the industry’s interests in Washington, D.C.
Geoff Freeman, the CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, praised Hornbuckle’s appointment, stating that his leadership background makes him well-suited to advocate for policies that will support travel growth and innovation. Freeman also expressed gratitude to outgoing chair Chris Nassetta, highlighting his contributions in transforming the association into a more strategic and effective trade organization.
As Hornbuckle steps into his new role, he has emphasized the importance of keeping America at the forefront of the global travel and hospitality industry. He noted that the upcoming decade will bring an unprecedented lineup of major events to the United States, including the FIFA World Cup, the United States Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary), the Summer Olympics, and the Winter Olympics. These events, he believes, present once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to showcase the country as a premier destination for travelers worldwide.
“We are entering a period of significant opportunities unlike anything our country has seen in recent years,” Hornbuckle said. “It is critical that we continue working together to ensure the U.S. travel industry remains strong and contributes to the nation’s economic growth.”
As the national chair, Hornbuckle will lead an executive board consisting of 30 members who represent various sectors of the travel industry. He will also collaborate with a board of delegates that provides strategic guidance and industry insights. In this capacity, he will work closely with Freeman and the executive leadership team to advance the association’s mission of promoting travel to and within the United States.
The travel industry is a major driver of economic activity in the U.S., generating millions of jobs and contributing significantly to GDP. Hornbuckle’s leadership will be instrumental in addressing key challenges such as improving international travel policies, enhancing the country’s travel infrastructure, and ensuring that the U.S. remains a competitive and attractive destination.
With a wealth of experience in the hospitality and tourism sector, Hornbuckle is well-positioned to advocate for policies that benefit the travel community. His tenure comes at a critical time when the industry is poised for growth and transformation. By leveraging his leadership skills and industry expertise, Hornbuckle is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of U.S. travel, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and resilient part of the American economy.
