The newly-formed Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) have appointed a Chief Sales and Marketing Officer.

Victoria Isley, a 20-year veteran of the tourism and hospitality industry, will work from the BTA office in New York, starting her new position in June 2.

BTA CEO Bill Hanbury, a former colleague of Ms Isley during his tenure as CEO of Destination DC, said: “Vicki Isley brings an extraordinary level of marketing and sales expertise to the effort of repositioning Bermuda as one of the world’s pre-eminent tourism destinations.

“Her decision to join our team is another indication of Bermuda’s serious intention to compete with other top-level tourism destinations in the US and across the globe.”

Ms Isley added: “At this point in my career, it’s really exciting to be joining the newly formed Bermuda Tourism Authority.

“The industry leaders did their homework when establishing the new organisation — and have fashioned it as the next generation DMO — charged with destination marketing as well as management.

“There is so much opportunity. There is such beauty on the Island – such a genuine sense of place. I look forward to helping tell the many stories of Bermuda, connecting travellers with the island, and creating jobs an economic development for the residents.”

Ms Isley previously served as the Chief Operating Officer for Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI). In that role she oversaw the association’s integrated executive team, which included marketing and communications efforts, membership and business development, professional development and meetings departments, as well as its convention sales products.

A BTA statement noted: “Through her work, she was part of a team that managed the world’s largest destination marketing trade association, representing 600 organisations worldwide. Additionally, she also served as the Executive Director of the DMAI Foundation since October, 2012.

“Prior to her work with DMAI, Ms Isley served as the Senior Vice-President of Marketing and Communications for Destination DC from October, 2001 to April, 2011. Responsible for all marketing, research, crisis communications, media relations promotions, tourism sales and visitor service functions during her tenure, she was the organisational marketing lead for high profile initiatives including tourism recovery efforts following 9/11, the dedication of the National World War II Memorial and the inauguration celebration for President Barack Obama.

“Ms Isley also brings previous experience as the Vice-President of Marketing and Communications for the Tampa Bay Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (July,1997-October, 2001) and Director of Communications for the Durham Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (October, 1994-July, 1997) to her new role.

“A 1991 graduate of the University of North Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing, Ms Isley has served as a past chair of the US Travel Association’s research committee as well as a member of the board of directors for Public Relations Society of America’s Travel and Tourism sector.”