The Bermuda Tourism Authority has announced the appointment of a long-time travel industry professional as Director of Sales & Business Development.

Laura Saeger will join the BTA on January 3, after working for nearly a decade as head of North America incentive sales for South Africa Tourism, based in New York.

“In her role as Director of Sales & Business Development, Ms Saeger will be based in the BTA’s New York office and report to Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Victoria Isley,” said a BTA statement. “Saeger will be responsible for guiding the sales team in prospecting for new group business opportunities, identifying and leveraging emerging industry trends, and working closely with industry partners. She will also lead participation in trade shows and sales missions building relationships with meeting, incentive and event planners.”

Ms Isley added: “We are very excited to welcome Laura to the Bermuda Tourism Authority. Her experience, collaborative spirit and knowledge of the North American meetings market will greatly add to our collective efforts to attract meetings, incentive trips and events to Bermuda.

“Working with our internal team and external stakeholders to differentiate the Bermuda experience will be a top priority for Laura, and key to a successful, proactive and integrated meetings strategy in 2017.”

Ms Saeger said: “I am delighted and proud to join the team promoting Bermuda, which consistently ranks as one of the top destinations in the world. I look forward to the opportunities ahead and am eager to showcase Bermuda’s incredible resources for creating stellar experiences.”

“She was selected following a thorough interview process for the position that has been vacant since September 2016,” added the statement. “In addition to 10 years of management experience with South African Tourism in New York City, her background includes positions as Director of Sales with NYC-based destination management companies (DMC) and facilities management.”