Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1515188
STEVEN JOHNSON TAKES ON NEW ROLE AT BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURSM Steven Johnson is a veteran sales and marketing professional with over 35 years' experience in the tourism and hospitali- ty sector, Johnson brings a wealth of knowledge in public relations, event plan- ning, marketing, and advertising. Since 1986, Johnson has served the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism in vari- ous capacities in Grand Bahama, New York, and Canada; and has worked on several marketing plans to increase The Bahamas' stopover arrivals from major areas, such as New York, Boston, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia. Johnson currently serves the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism as the Director for Canada and China, based in Toronto. In Johnson's new role he will be the Director for the SMERF Market, specializing in Fraternal and Religious Tourism, and the African American and Multi-Cultural Markets. Johnson is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated, Prince Hall Masonic Lodges – (Shriners, Knights Templar, and the Royal Arch). His wealth of knowledge in these areas will bring millions of dollars to the Bahamian Economy as he increases business develop- ment opportunities for Nassau, Grand Bahama, and the Out Islands. Johnson is also the Director for the Tourism Development Corporation, which seeks out new entrepreneurs and assisting existing tourism businesses with polishing their skills. In addition, Johnson holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree, Cum Laude from the his- torical – Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View Texas, and a Master of Science Degree from the International Management Centres Association in Buckingham, UK. Johnson has served on the previous Caribbean Tourism Board (CTO) in Canada, as a Vice President and Advisor. He is the founder of Well-Groomed Youth Mentorship Organization, where he mentors young men between the ages of 12-18 to be become gentlemen and assisting them in polishing their skills and preparing them for higher edu- cation and the corporate boardroom. TRACY BERKELEY SERVES AS CEO OF BERMUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY Tracy Berkeley was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Bermuda Tourism Authority in March 2023, cementing her as the first ever female leader of the BTA. Berkeley has spent the last seven months cre- ating a new strategic global tourism plan to promote Bermuda as a world-class and wel- coming destination for all. Berkeley has been a part of the BTA for three years, working alongside the executive leadership team to shape the organization to re- enter the market at a global level. Upon appointment as Interim CEO, Berkeley utilized her unique people skills, developed over a twenty-year career, to not only nurture existing Bermudian talent but bring Bermudian talent home. No stranger to the extensive experience needed to manage and shape organizational culture, Berkeley's career history has exposed her at the highest-level managing multi-million dollar budgets, building and leading high performance teams and strong financial and business planning for top level conglomerates. Berkeley is a member of several public and private Boards, professional associations and is a 2024 CDME candidate. As the new CEO, Berkeley is responsible for creating a world class tourism authority organization, as well as securing renowned agencies to create a global network pushing the messaging that Bermuda is a destina- tion to be revered. Berkeley's financial acumen brings to the table robust ROI (return on investment) interrogation from both the internal and external markets, ensuring that Bermuda's investments build long lasting market impact and relationships which will enhance the destination's appeal for both visitors and future business investment opportunities. Berkeley's international exposure with leading Bermuda (in)reinsur- ance companies brings a new perspective to the business of Tourism. She is a highly respected by leading international media, global organiza- tions, and peers alike. Berkeley's appointment signals a new dawn at the BTA and for Bermuda in the global marketplace. 12 B M & T ••• January/February 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com