A new director of sales and business development has been hired at The Bermuda Tourism Authority. Ishmael Kolthoff, a veteran of the meeting, conference and incentive market, will work for the BTA to create group programmes and events.

Mr Kolthoff said: “I’m delighted to join the Bermuda Tourism Authority team, as well as partners across Bermuda, in promoting one of the top destinations in the world. The island is an extraordinary location for right-sized meetings and events, and I look forward to making a positive impact.”

Mr Kolthoff, who will be based in New York City, will guide the sales team there in a bid to drum up new group business opportunities, help identify trends and liaise with the industry.

Victoria Isley, the chief sales and marketing officer for the BTA, said Mr Kolthoff would be an asset to the authority.

She added: “His extensive experience and knowledge of the North American meetings market will add to our collective efforts to attract meetings, incentive trips and events to Bermuda.

“Ishmael will be joining forces with our internal team and external stakeholders to differentiate the Bermuda experience, which is key to a successful, proactive and integrated meetings strategy going forward.”

Mr Kolthoff was earlier the director of meeting, conference and incentive sales for Global Hospitality Services, which represents more than 200 hotels around the world. He has also worked as the director of sales in the same area for Sol Melia Hotels and represented the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau and Convention Centre.