MGM Resorts International’s Bill Hornbuckle Selected National Chair of the U.S. Travel Association

The U.S. Travel Association announced on Tuesday that William (Bill) J. Hornbuckle, Chief Executive Officer and President of MGM Resorts International, was selected National Chair of the association’s board of directors. His appointment to a two-year term was formalized with a membership vote.

Photo credits: MGM Resorts International

“I’m grateful for this honor and excited to be joining U.S. Travel at such an important time. America remains at the forefront of travel and hospitality, and it’s vital that we do all we can to keep our industry and economy thriving,” said Bill Hornbuckle. “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.”

“We are grateful for Bill’s leadership and expertise as U.S. Travel pursues a bold agenda of growth and improvements to the traveler experience,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel 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.”

Hornbuckle will succeed Chris Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton, whose term as national chair has concluded.

“We express our sincere thanks to Chris Nassetta for his outstanding leadership and contributions during his tenure as our national chair,” Freeman said. “Chris shaped and sped our transition into a focused and sophisticated trade association.”

Hornbuckle will work with association leaders to enact industry priorities, including maximizing a mega-decade of events like the 2025 Ryder Cup, 2026 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics.

The National Chair of the U.S. Travel Association leads an Executive Board comprised of 30 members representing all segments of the travel industry, and a board of delegates who support and advise the association. In this role, Hornbuckle will work closely with U.S. Travel’s Freeman and the executive leadership team to achieve the association’s mission of increasing travel to and within the United States.

The new slate of U.S. Travel Executive Board members and elected officers for the upcoming term is available online.

The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Travel Association represents the collective interests of more than 980 industry organizations, including a diverse variety of travel companies and businesses both large and small, and destinations across the United States.