US Travel Association Names MGM CEO Hornbuckle National Chair

The US Travel Association has reinforced its board of directors with a major new addition. The new appointee is William “Bill” Hornbuckle, the president and chief executive officer of gaming and hospitality giant MGM Resorts International, who will serve as the association’s new national chair.

Casino CEO Was Named National Chair

Hornbuckle’s new position was approved by the US Travel Association’s board, which agreed to appoint him to a two-year term. His addition comes in the wake of Chris Nassetta’s departure from the board. Nassetta, who is the president and CEO of Hilon, left the association’s board at the end of his term as national chair.

As national chair, Hornbuckle will be tasked with helping the board enact industry priorities and maximizing a mega-decade of upcoming events, such as the 2025 Ryder Cup, 2026 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics. In this position, he will work closely with US Travel’s Freeman and the executive leadership team to increase travel to and within the US.

For context, the US Travel Association board comprises 30 members representing various aspects of the travel industry, as well as a board of delegates who provide additional support and advice. Based in Washington DC, the association represents the interests of over 980 industry organizations, such as travel companies and businesses across the US.

Hornbuckle Is Honored to Join the Association as National Chair

Hornbuckle commented on his appointment, saying that he feels honored by the opportunity to join the US Travel Association at such an important time for the industry. He said that America remains a leader in terms of travel and hospitality and added that this is a momentum that should be maintained. According to him, the busy calendar of events will provide the association with key opportunities to grow US travel.

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.

Bill Hornbuckle

Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the US Travel Association, said that Hornbuckle’s leadership and expertise would help US travel pursue a “bold agenda of growth and improvements.” Freeman added that the MGM president’s prior experience in tourism made him a perfect fit for the association.

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.

Geoff Freeman

In the meantime, Freeman thanked Nassetta for his outstanding leadership and contributions, which sped up the association’s development, turning it into a “focused and sophisticated trade association.”