A revised staff incentive system is among plans from the Bermuda Tourism Authority after its board members took part in “frank and constructive” talks about the quango’s future.

The discussions, which have been welcomed by the Bermuda Government, also resulted in a commitment to boost two key areas — including people and culture — through changes to the BTA’s organisational structure.

An update was provided by the authority as the board announced the conclusion of an internal investigation and “the beginning of a transformative new chapter”.

William Griffith, its acting chairman, said: “This moment represents not an end but a reset.

“We have confronted difficult truths and taken clear action.

“Our focus now is on moving forward, strengthening the efficiency of the organisation and delivering results for Bermuda.

“The BTA board remains committed to transparency, the work continues and we are optimistic about what lies ahead.”

A global search for a new chief executive to lead the authority will start imminently, the organisation said. The departure of Tracy Berkeley from the post was confirmed last month.

In response to a public access to information request, the BTA earlier stated that 30 staff left the organisation in little more than 2½ years, including 23 employees who resigned or left through mutual separation between June 1, 2022 and January 8 this year.

Wayne Caines quit his post as board chairman in February.

A review of the workplace environment, which was released to the public in March, found that “mistrust”, “domineering” and “siloed” were words consistently used when interviewees described the culture at the BTA.

More than half of the character traits used to portray the culture were positive, the review report showed, and it was also noted that the negative traits used carried low to medium “severities of risk”.

The BTA board later announced the commencement of “an extensive human resources audit and cultural reset initiative, marking the next phase in its commitment to fostering a strong, transparent and inclusive workplace culture”.

An HR consultancy firm was engaged to carry out a thorough assessment.

The BTA said yesterday: “This marks a critical milestone following the release of the BTA’s culture review earlier this year and the subsequent independent HR audit.

“The board has now completed its review and met for a full-day strategy session earlier this month to chart a bold and forward-looking course for the authority.”

It added: “During the session, the board engaged in frank and constructive discussions around the future direction of the BTA.

“There was strong consensus around the need for structural realignment to ensure the authority is best positioned to deliver on its core mandate — promoting Bermuda as a world-class tourism destination.”

Among key outcomes was a commitment to reorganise the BTA to strengthen the areas of sales, marketing and business development, and people and culture, “to reflect strategic priorities and ensure delivery excellence”, the quango said.

It added that another result of the talks was “the commencement of a comprehensive internal review of performance management and compensation structures, culminating in a revised staff incentive philosophy set to launch ahead of the next fiscal year”.

It was confirmed by the BTA in March that two executive members of staff were on administrative leave.

The authority did not name the pair — understood at the time to be Ms Berkeley and Tashae Thompson, who was then the vice-president of experiences — but confirmed that Erin Wright, the chief operations officer, was acting chief executive.

In April, a source told The Royal Gazette that not all staff at the quango felt “siloed”, and some were dismayed at the suspension of Ms Berkeley, who had been in charge of the tourism authority since June 2022.

The person, who had knowledge of the situation and asked not to be identified, also spoke highly of Ms Thompson, whom they described as “passionate, always fighting for people, always fighting for staff”.

It was confirmed in May that Ms Thompson had left the organisation, with Ms Berkeley’s resignation was made public about a week later.

The BTA said yesterday: “The search for a new chief executive officer will begin imminently.

“This global search will consider both Bermudian and international candidates, with the opportunity first being shared internally before advertisements appear in local and international media.

“Recruitment for a chief sales and marketing officer will also be launched shortly, using the same process.”

It added: “The BTA has unveiled a series of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the island’s tourism sector.

“As part of its renewed leadership role, the BTA is now spearheading air service development to improve connectivity and drive increased visitation, aligning with the reopening of the Fairmont Southampton in the first half of 2026.

“Reaffirming its commitment to collaboration, the BTA has also sought to strengthen its ties with local partners across the industry.

“The authority has also announced the first industry partner summit in over five years, scheduled for October this year.

“The event will convene key overseas wholesale and tour operator partners, online travel agents and trade stakeholders.

“This marks a new era of alignment and partnership for Bermuda’s tourism future, underlining the BTA’s proactive approach to destination strategy and growth with all of its key partners.”

The BTA was awarded an estimated government grant of $15.5 million in the 2025-26 Budget.

The Gazette asked whether results of the BTA’s independent HR audit would be released to the public — as its Culture Assessment was — as well as for more information about the focus of the revised “staff incentive philosophy”.

There was no response to the queries by the time of publication.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, raised concerns last December to the BTA board about “numerous complaints regarding workplace bullying, harassment and unprofessional interactions with management” at the quango.

Mr Darrell said: “I have reviewed the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s recent statement and welcome the update regarding its current direction and governance.

“The BTA board has taken clear and necessary action in response to serious concerns that were raised over the past year, particularly those involving staff welfare and organisational culture. I commend the board for facing difficult truths and moving forward decisively and transparently.”

He added: “As minister, my priority has always been to ensure that Bermuda’s key institutions operate with integrity, accountability and the highest standards of professionalism.

“Last year, when concerns were raised by staff and members of the public about workplace culture at the BTA, I made it clear that those matters were being taken seriously. It is encouraging to see that the board has now responded with tangible steps to rebuild trust and strengthen internal processes.

“I look forward to continued collaboration with the BTA as it executes its mission to promote Bermuda as a premier tourism destination. There is important work ahead, but this moment represents an opportunity for renewal, one that I believe the organisation is well positioned to embrace.”

• To view the Bermuda Tourism Authority Culture Assessment report, see Related Media

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