Island talent will be developed “to the highest levels” the Bermuda Tourism Authority said after it announced an international search for a new chief executive officer.

A spokeswoman added that advancement programmes could mean that the organisation would be fully staffed by Bermudians or their spouses “in the foreseeable future”.

Kevin Dallas left the chief executive post last February and Glenn Jones took up the role on an interim basis the next month.

The BTA spokeswoman said: “Career-building for Bermudians to the highest levels of tourism is our goal.”

She added that Mr Jones and Tracy Berkeley, who has been promoted to the newly-created position of chief administration officer, were "advocates for professional development and succession planning across the organisation, which bodes well for the further Bermudianisation of the BTA“.

The spokeswoman said: “Currently the BTA is 90 per cent Bermudian and spouses of Bermudians.

“In the foreseeable future we can be 100 per cent with the right career-building strategies.

“Qualified, experienced Bermudians are enthusiastically encouraged to apply.”

She added: “From its start, the BTA was built to be a globally competitive entity.

“All our senior-level searches have cast a net beyond our shores.

“Even so, we proudly note that after an exhaustive selection process, our last CEO, a Bermudian, emerged from an outstanding field of local and international applicants.

“From our processes and marketing, to the teams that build them, we are focused on gaining full advantage over competing destinations.

“We search Bermuda and the world for the specialised skill sets and experience needed to deliver consistent results for Bermuda.

“Our most recent addition to the C-suite has been another Bermudian promoted from within the organisation.”

The spokeswoman said that finding a Bermudian to lead the BTA was “a very important consideration”.

She added: “Of course, in any situation where a Bermudian comes with the necessary skill set and experience they will be considered a preferred applicant.”

The tourism authority announced this week that Douglas Trueblood, an American, will be its next chief sales and marketing officer.

The spokeswoman said the appointment was made after “a limited response from Bermudian applicants”.

She added: “Professionally, Mr Trueblood has had extensive experience developing marketing programmes for leading attractions and destinations around the world.

“From his most recent post leading marketing and sales for the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board to his work at Universal and theme parks in the Middle East, Asia and Europe, he has demonstrated successes in challenging and competitive markets.

“In the wake of the pandemic, Bermuda’s tourism sector faces unprecedented challenges that have affected the livelihood of thousands.

“We owe it to our stakeholders to secure the most talented and experienced team.

“We must get it right.”