MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle Leads as National Chair of the US Travel Association, Driving Industry Expansion with Major Global Events Like the 2025 Ryder Cup, 2026 FIFA World Cup, and 2028 Summer Olympics

Thursday, February 27, 2025

MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle drives industry growth as US Travel Association Chair, leveraging global events like the Ryder Cup, FIFA, and Olympics.

The U.S. Travel Association, the country’s leading organization dedicated to advancing travel to and within the United States, has announced the appointment of William (Bill) J. Hornbuckle, Chief Executive Officer and President of MGM Resorts International, as its National Chair of the Board of Directors. His two-year term was formally approved by a membership vote, placing him at the forefront of shaping policies and initiatives that drive the nation’s travel and tourism sector.

Hornbuckle’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the U.S. tourism industry, which is preparing to capitalize on a series of major global events that will draw millions of visitors to the country over the next decade. These include the 2025 Ryder Cup, 2026 FIFA World Cup, and 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles—collectively representing a historic opportunity to expand U.S. tourism revenues, infrastructure, and international visitor engagement.

A Vision for Growth: Hornbuckle’s Role as National Chair

As National Chair of the U.S. Travel Association, Hornbuckle will lead an Executive Board of 30 industry leaders spanning airlines, hotels, attractions, destination marketing organizations, and more. He will also work closely with a broader board of delegates who provide critical support and guidance to the association.

In his new capacity, Hornbuckle will collaborate with Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of U.S. Travel, and the executive leadership team to drive policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening the travel industry’s economic impact and enhancing international tourism opportunities.

His leadership will be instrumental in:

• Maximizing the Economic Impact of Global Events – With the U.S. hosting the 2025 Ryder Cup, 2026 FIFA World Cup, and 2028 Summer Olympics, Hornbuckle will spearhead efforts to leverage these events for sustainable tourism growth and long-term benefits.
• Advocating for Travel-Friendly Policies – Working with policymakers to expand visa waivers, improve airport infrastructure, and streamline entry processes to attract international visitors.
• Enhancing Domestic Travel Growth – Strengthening initiatives to encourage travel across the 50 states, supporting local economies, and boosting employment in the hospitality sector.
• Sustainable and Responsible Tourism – Championing policies that balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, promoting green initiatives and sustainable infrastructure in the travel industry.

Hornbuckle’s expertise in luxury hospitality, entertainment tourism, and gaming industry expansion will be a key asset in advancing the U.S. as a top-tier global travel destination.

The Mega-Decade of Global Events: A Game Changer for U.S. Travel

The next decade marks an unprecedented boom in high-profile international events hosted by the United States, with millions of tourists expected to visit from across the world. These major events will significantly boost hospitality revenues, job creation, and international tourism flows, presenting a unique moment for strategic leadership in the travel sector.

Upcoming Events Shaping the Future of U.S. Tourism:

2025 Ryder Cup (Bethpage Black, New York)

• One of the most-watched golf events globally, the Ryder Cup is expected to bring 250,000+ spectators to New York, significantly impacting hotel and travel bookings.

2026 FIFA World Cup (Hosted Across 11 U.S. Cities)

• The biggest soccer event in the world will take place in major U.S. cities, bringing millions of fans and travelers for an extended period. The economic impact is expected to exceed $5 billion in tourism-related revenue.

2028 Summer Olympics (Los Angeles, California)

• The largest sporting event in the world will drive millions of visitors to California and across the U.S., creating unparalleled opportunities for travel, hospitality, and infrastructure development.

With these three monumental events on the horizon, the U.S. is poised to reaffirm its position as a premier global travel hub—and Hornbuckle’s leadership will be critical in ensuring the industry capitalizes on these opportunities.

Hornbuckle’s Impact on the U.S. Travel Industry

Bill Hornbuckle brings decades of executive experience to the role, currently serving as CEO and President of MGM Resorts International, one of the largest hospitality and entertainment companies in the world. Under his leadership, MGM Resorts has expanded its footprint, enhanced luxury tourism offerings, and pioneered innovative hospitality strategies that have positioned Las Vegas as a global travel icon.

With a career spanning hospitality, gaming, entertainment, and destination marketing, Hornbuckle has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern travel experience, making him an ideal leader for U.S. Travel at a time of high-stakes industry evolution.

As National Chair, he is expected to:

• Strengthen collaborations between private and public sectors to enhance tourism marketing and infrastructure investments.
• Ensure a smooth integration of gaming and entertainment tourism into broader U.S. travel strategies.
• Lead advocacy efforts to boost the U.S. share of international tourism post-pandemic.

His deep understanding of hospitality and large-scale event tourism will be key in ensuring the travel sector remains a leading economic engine for the U.S.

A Defining Era for U.S. Travel Under Hornbuckle’s Leadership

Bill Hornbuckle’s appointment as National Chair of the U.S. Travel Association marks the beginning of a defining era for the American tourism industry. As the U.S. prepares to host a mega-decade of global events, his leadership will be instrumental in positioning the country as the top global travel destination.

With a bold vision for industry growth, policy advocacy, and sustainable tourism, Hornbuckle’s tenure is set to drive unprecedented expansion in the U.S. travel sector, creating lasting economic benefits for businesses, workers, and visitors alike.

As the 2025 Ryder Cup, 2026 FIFA World Cup, and 2028 Summer Olympics draw closer, the nation’s travel industry is ready to embrace record-breaking tourism and global recognition—with Hornbuckle leading the charge.

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