Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/44484
THE BARBADOS TOURISM AUTHORITY WELCOMES CAMPBELL RUDDER, VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING, USA TheBarbadosTourismAuthority (BTA) has recently appointedCampbellRudder as the new vice president ofMarketing for the United States, bringing a fresh approach to the strategy within the market. Charged with steering the BTA's US team into further achieving increased visibility for the island, Rudder confirms that through his appointment, he aspires to sustain the upward growth trend coming out of the market, while endeavoring to create new oppor- tunities for the destination. "I am pleased to be a member of the BTA team and look forward to enhancing the overall vision and performance of the tourism sector through tactical and focused strate- gies. These tactics will further lead to increased passenger arrivals to the island, along with boosting economic growth within the overall tourism sector." Since the beginning of 2011, the BTA has shown significant growth with a 5.5 per cent increase in arrivals at the end of March out of the US market, equating to an increase of 2043 visitors to the island over 2010. Rudder joins the team at a crucial time, where despite recessionary conditions, current marketplace trends indicate tremendous possibilities for the destination and intelligence confirms that consumers remain loyal to seeking value-added purchases, and are now returning to travel professionals since they are aware of the value they offer. The team will continue its outreach to key tourism and travel industry professionals in order to strengthen its overall relationship and execution of its strategy. Rudder is based in the BTA New York office and brings over 30 years of travel experience and expertise within the US and the Caribbean. One of his most recent posts saw Rudder in the capacity of Air Jamaica's top marketing executive for the northern region of the US. MICHAEL HOOPER CONTINUES TO SHINE AT ILLINOIS ASSIGNMENT MichaelHooper has a successful history of leading full service hotel operations inter- nationally and within the United States. He has 21 years experience with Hilton International including hotels in Chicago, New York, London, England and Nassau, Bahamas. After increasing efficiencies and profit while area director of Front Office operations for 35 hotels in theU.K.,Hooper earned the distinction ofGeneralManager of the year U.K. hotels while leading the GatwickAirport Hilton to the U.K.'s Hilton InternationalHotel of the year and Finance teamof the year all in the same year. During that same year the hotel achieved the coveted I.I.P. (Investors in People award) demon- strating his dedication and passion to ensure associates are developed and empowered in all aspects of the business. Hooper opened and went through the opening and re-branding of the 100 year old British Colonial Hotel to a Hilton in Nassau,Bahamas and led the team toAAA 4 Diamond award and suc- cessful double digit profit increases through multiple years. In 2005 Hooper won the prestigious Hotelier of the year in the Bahamas. While in the Bahamas he was Chairman of the Cable Beach Promotion Board, a Board member of the Chamber of Commerce, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board and Treasurer and Board member of the Bahamas Hotel Association. Prior to returning to the U.S., Hooper was Sr. V.P. Operations for Cable Beach resorts consisting of three hotels (Wyndham, Sheraton and the independent Nassau Beach hotel) and a golf course. Hooper now leads First Hospitality Groups Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes resort outside of Chicago, Illinois since Jan. 2009. Hooper has volunteered his time over the years coaching youth soccer, baseball,mentoring young profes- sionals and college students, as well as promotion boards and chambers of commerce. 6 Black Meetings & Tourism September/October 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com NEWSMAKERS