A brand consultant, a hospitality veteran and an advertising expert have joined the Bermuda Tourism Authority board.

Shiona Turini, Bushara K Bushara and Carol Blaser will all join the board this month as the terms of Jessica Mello, Philip Barnett and Stephen Todd come to an end.

Download PDF File

01_06_21_Press Release _ Board Members_FNL (2).pdf

David Burt, the Premier and tourism minister, thanked the three departing members for their contributions to the tourism industry.

He said: “They have played an invaluable role contributing to the strategic aims of the organisation over the years.

“We are particularly grateful for their leadership during the challenges brought on by the pandemic.

“There is no doubt that the entire board will continue to work together to realise greater success for Bermuda’s tourism.”

Wayne Caines, the BTA chairman, added that the new board members will each deliver a new and distinct perspective that will help the body revive the island’s hard-hit tourism industry.

Mr Caines said: “Shiona brings unique media insight, brand expertise and insider access, while Bushara brings significant local and regional industry intelligence, as well as a demonstrated history of service to the sector and we expect that the BTA will benefit from their knowhow.

“Our third new appointee, Carol Blaser comes with decades of advertising and media experience that will help support our strategic marketing efforts.

“We thank original board members Jessica and Philip, who have given yeoman service to the organisation since its inception in 2013 and likewise commend Stephen, for his invaluable contributions and keen tourism focus since he joined the board.

“We wish them all the best and look forward to working alongside them in their various roles in the industry.”

Ms Turini is well established in the entertainment, fashion and publishing industry as a brand consultant, costume designer and celebrity, commercial and editorial stylist.

A BTA spokeswoman said Ms Turini has also been an ambassador for the island, and had partnered with the authority to boost the island’s international profile.

The spokeswoman added: “She is a highly regarded thought-leader in the world of fashion, design and celebrity culture.

“As costume designer on HBO's Insecure and a nominee for the 2020 Costume Designers Guild Award for her work on Universal Pictures’ Queen & Slim, she is a major player in media, music and fashion.”

Mr Bushara is the general manager of Newstead Belmont Hills and the chairman of the Bermuda Hotel Association.

The BTA spokeswoman said: “Bushara has demonstrated his commitment to the industry through dedicated service in key appointments in the community.

“He formerly served on the board of the Bermuda Department of Tourism, the board of directors for the Chamber of Commerce, the Medical Tourism Committee, the Monitor Group Service Standards Committee, the Bermuda First Committee and the Bermuda Festival of Performing Arts committee.”

Ms Blaser is a 35-year veteran of the advertising industry who has worked multiple roles at the Grey Advertising Agency, the ABC and CBS networks, Select Media and ITN networks.

The BTA spokeswoman said: “Carol is known to be an astute, resourceful, detail-oriented problem solver motivated to fulfil high expectations with an entrepreneurial spirit.

“She is passionate about adding value to the community and has dedicated significant time to Bermudian causes including Relay for Life, Scars and the Friends of Bermuda Railway Trail.”