Charles H Jeffers II has been appointed chief executive of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, effective tomorrow.

Mr Jeffers, a 26-year tourism veteran, was hired after a global search to fill the role after Kevin Dallas stepped down as CEO in February 2020.

Mr Jeffers’ appointment to the BTA ends his tenure as chief operating officer at Visit Baltimore in Maryland.

Baltimore took in 27 million visitors in 2019, generating $6 billion in economic impact.

Philip Barnett, chairman of the BTA board HR sub-committee said that with global tourism still reeling from the ongoing pandemic, “capable hands“ were needed to lead tourism.

Mr Barnett said there had been an “exhaustive” recruitment using the specialist international tourism recruitment firm SearchWide Global.

He added: “Charles’ solid credentials and the passion and purpose he brings as a career destination management executive makes the board and the minister confident he is ably suited to lead the team through the post-Covid-19 era and beyond.”

Prior to his role at Visit Baltimore, Mr Jeffers served as chief operating officer for Destinations International, a global trade association.

He also worked at the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Mr Jeffers holds an undergraduate degree from American International College, as well as a Master’s degree from Georgia State University.

He has achieved the Certified Destination Management Executive designation.

Mr Jeffers also serves on several industry and non-profit boards.

Wayne Caines, the BTA chairman said: “We owe a debt of gratitude to Glenn Jones, who assumed the interim role just as the global health crisis hit.

“His tireless work ethic, adaptability and deft communication skills helped steady tourism’s ship, while keeping our staff and industry stakeholders engaged in the wake of unprecedented disruption this past year.”

Mr Jeffers shared that one of his earliest jobs was on the front lines of hospitality, working in the famed Newport Room at the Southampton Princess.

He added: “My career journey has now come full circle.”

He has been married to Antoinette for 25 years.

The couple have two children, Courtney and Arrington.