If you ever wondered who the people behind the Bermuda Tourism Authority are, and what they do, wonder no more.

In a series of articles the BTA will throw the spotlight on their staff members, beginning with Adam Barboza, the Sports and Events Development Manager

What are the primary goals & objectives of your position?

Assisting sporting events and product providers in attracting visitors to the island through exciting sports related activities, having those visitors spend in our economy, creating media awareness so more people know about Bermuda through sport, and creating the foundation for future travel to Bermuda.

How do you go about accomplishing those goals & objectives?

I work with a super team of professionals at the BTA and in the private and public sectors to find new ways to attract sports related visitors to our island. I research what’s being done in other countries and figure out how to implement them into our plans for Bermuda. The Island’s sporting events have great organising committees and volunteers working to make them successful and I help those entities with funding support, marketing and public relations exposure, and logistical help.

How does what you do tie into the National Tourism Plan?

The NTP identified both Sports and Nautical Tourism as two of Bermuda’s core Tourism components. The growth of these sectors are integral to achieving the NTP’s success.

Describe a typical day.

No two days are the same but a typical one would comprise of meeting and discussing existing or new ideas with our internal team or our industry partners. I work with vendors on contractual agreements and ensure that the BTA’s objectives in supporting events are met. I liaise with our Sales and Marketing team, including our regional Business Development Managers, Ad and Public Relations Agencies to determine the most effective way to market and promote the sports tourism events on offer. Bermuda has lots of people with great ideas and we work with them to focus on the events and products visitors are looking for.

What prepared you for the role you have?

I campaigned for a few Olympic Games in sailing and travelled around the world for regattas. Once finished with my Olympic aspirations, I continued to travel for sailing and sports events and gained valuable insight into sports tourism. Working with a fantastic team for 12 years while in the role of Sport Marketing Manager at the former Bermuda Department of Tourism (BDoT), I gained valuable experience helping to develop and implement the Department’s Major Events Strategy. My responsibilities involved helping to procure new events for Bermuda including: U19 World Beach Volleyball Championships, World Open Squash Tournament, PGA Grand Slam of Golf, Escape to Bermuda Triathlon, and She Rox Triathlon. These new events complimented existing sporting events like the Newport to Bermuda Race, Bermuda Triple Crown sport fishing tournaments, World Rugby Classic, Bermuda Goodwill, Bermuda Marathon Weekend…just to name a few.

How is your success measured?

My success is ultimately measured by increased visitation to the Island and an increase in visitors’ satisfaction.

Who is integral to your success at work?

The great team at the BTA as we work together towards a common goal of bringing business to Bermuda. Also, a whole host of professionals who are passionate about their individual niche markets. Ultimately, all of the work we do benefits various sectors of our community.

Why did you join the BTA team?

I joined the BTA because I loved what I was doing at BDoT and wanted to continue with work that would ultimately benefit our island.