The search for a successor to Bermuda Tourism Authority CEO Bill Hanbury will begin this summer.

Mr Hanbury’s three-year contract with the BTA concludes at the end of 2016, and his replacement is expected to be identified by the fourth quarter of this year.

“Bill’s upcoming departure was not unexpected, as his three-year contract comes to an end with the BTA,” chairman David Dodwell said. “We now turn our attention to implementing our succession plan. It is time for the BTA to move into phase two of rebuilding Bermuda’s tourism industry.

“The BTA board wants to take this opportunity to thank Bill for his leadership of the BTA staff and his dedication to Bermuda.

“Bill has been instrumental in creating a first class operation, staffed with an experienced and dedicated team. In his tenure he has demonstrated positive results and forward movement of our tourism product. Phase one of BTA growth and development has been fully achieved. The structure, staffing and directional focus of the BTA has clearly demonstrated important results for the country.”

Mr Hanbury was the BTA’s first CEO and will work side by side with his successor the successful candidate transition into their new role.

The changeover is expected to be completed by the end of December 2016.

“When Bill leaves us in December, it will be on a high note,” Mr Dodwell said. “We have seen positive results since the start of 2016 and we fully expect this trend line to continue throughout the rest of year.

“The future looks very bright for Bermuda tourism as we set the table for the America’s Cup and beyond. We feel strongly that this is a testament to his hard work and the efforts of his team.”

A statement released by the BTA added: “The BTA board will be diligent in seeking out the very best CEO candidate to continue the strong leadership of the BTA

“The Board anticipates a robust process of selection and vetting of candidates against clearly defined criteria and objectives. To ensure a thorough process with best practices, the Board will be working with an agency, which will be named shortly to ensure pre-screening of all applicants. The board will seek a diverse slate of candidates for the position.”