The Bermuda Tourism Authority launched a “culture review” after concerns were raised about its workplace environment, the BTA chairman confirmed yesterday.

Wayne Caines added that a final report from a third-party organisation was expected this month.

His comments came after The Royal Gazette asked what update was received by the board in relation to concerns about alleged high staff attrition and other personnel issues.

The Gazette reported yesterday that Hazel Clark had left her post as the BTA’s director of global business development and partnerships last month.

Her resignation came at about the same time as another employee gave notice of their intention to resign.

Mr Caines said yesterday evening: “The board is aware of the concerns raised regarding workplace culture and takes these matters seriously.

“To that end, we initiated a third-party culture review in the last quarter of 2024.

“The final report will be delivered on January 17 and the board will review its findings and make decisions shortly thereafter, based on the recommendations of this independent assessment.”

He did not specify the nature of the concerns that prompted the inquiry.

Tracey Berkeley, the BTA’s chief executive officer, also issued a statement yesterday evening.

She said: “We extend our gratitude to Hazel Clark for her significant contributions to Bermuda and the BTA and we wish her every success in her next chapter.”

Among questions sent to the BTA last week, the Gazette asked how many interviews had been carried out with serving and former staff as part of any investigation, as well as what level their roles were.

Those questions were unanswered in the statements issued yesterday.

Ms Berkeley said: “The Bermuda Tourism Authority is a dynamic organisation and like any organisation of our calibre, attrition is a natural part of our evolution.

“It is important to note that departures include resignations for alternate employment, the conclusion of fixed-term contracts and instances where employees did not progress past the probationary period among other reasons.

“We are committed to fostering an environment where our team members can thrive.

“While challenges arise, they will not distract us from our mission to drive Bermuda’s tourism forward and to position the island as a premier travel destination.”

The resignation of Ms Clark, who represented the United States three times at the Olympics as an 800 metres runner and joined the tourism authority in 2018, also prompted a statement from the Opposition yesterday.

Dwayne Robinson, a One Bermuda Alliance senator and the party’s spokesman on tourism, described the news as “a loss” for the industry.

He added that Ms Clark had been unwavering in her commitment to raising the profile of the island.

Mr Robinson said: “A loss for the BTA is a loss for the Bermuda tourism product.

“It’s very disappointing to see that yet another valuable member of the Bermuda Tourism Authority has tendered their resignation.”

Ms Clark was credited by one hotelier last week as having “played a pivotal role in bringing diverse business opportunities to the island”.

Charles H. Jeffers II, a former chief executive of the BTA, said Ms Clark’s departure from the organisation was “a significant setback for Bermuda’s tourism recovery”.

Mr Robinson added yesterday: “What is happening at the BTA that the public deserves to know? We can no longer deny that something is amiss.”

He said: “Our flagship tourism organisation seems to be holding on by a thread.”

The BTA was allocated a $16.04 million grant in the 2024-25 Budget.