The U.S. Travel Association on Tuesday announced that MGM Resorts International CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle has been selected national chair of the association’s board.
His appointment for a two-year term was formalized with a membership vote.
“I’m grateful for this honor and excited to be joining U.S. Travel at such an important time. 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,” Hornbuckle said in a statement. “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 will work with association leaders on industry priorities including events such as the 2025 Ryder Cup, the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
“We are grateful for Bill’s leadership and expertise as U.S. Travel pursues a bold agenda of growth and improvements to the traveler experience,” said U.S. Travel Association 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.”
Hornbuckle succeeds Hilton President and CEO Chris Nassetta.
“We express our sincere thanks to Chris Nassetta for his outstanding leadership and contributions during his tenure as our national chair,” Freeman added. “Chris shaped and sped our transition into a focused and sophisticated trade association.”
The national chair of the U.S. Travel Association leads an executive board of 30 members representing all segments of the travel industry, and a board of delegates that supports and advises the association. Hornbuckle will work closely with Freeman and the executive leadership team to achieve the association’s mission of increasing travel to and within the United States.
