MGM Resorts President, CEO Bill Hornbuckle to Lead U.S. Travel Association

Bill Hornbuckle, who has been the president and CEO of MGM Resorts since 2020, has been selected to head the U.S. Travel Association. 

On Tuesday, the U.S. Travel Association revealed that the head of MGM will be the national chair of the organization for the upcoming two years. The trade association advocates for the shared interests of almost 1,000 industry entities, “encompassing a wide range of trade firms and enterprises, both large and small, as well as locations throughout the United States.”

"America remains at the forefront of travel and hospitality, and it’s vital that we do all we can to keep our industry and economy thriving,” said Hornbuckle. “We are entering a period of once-in-a-lifetime events and opportunities unlike anything our country has seen in recent years. I’m proud to join this storied organization and look forward to helping the industry and the country succeed.”

Hornbuckle’s business operates more casino resorts along the Las Vegas Strip than any other company. 

MGM Resorts is the biggest employer in Nevada and ranks as the seventh-largest gaming firm globally, boasting a market valuation of $10.5 billion. MGM is likewise the main stakeholder of MGM China, its subsidiary focused on operations in Macau, boasting a market cap exceeding $5 billion. MGM is in the process of constructing Japan’s inaugural casino in Osaka and is looking into investment opportunities in Thailand and the UAE. 

Travel Association Maintains Strong Connections to Gaming 

The U.S. Travel Association includes several of the nation's leading figures in the gaming sector. Together with Hornbuckle's MGM Resorts, they encompass Caesars Entertainment and The Venetian Resort. 

The American Gaming Association (AGA), advocating for commercial and tribal gaming operators in Washington, DC, and state capitals, is also a member of the U.S. Travel Association. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is as well. 

Geoff Freeman serves as the president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. Prior to leading the organization, Freeman served as the chief executive at the AGA. 

Freeman became the second president and CEO of the AGA, a position he took on in 2013. He left the gaming sector in 2018, a month following the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn a federal statute that restricted most types of sports wagering to Nevada. 

Freeman is thrilled to have a leading figure from the gaming industry at the helm of the Travel Association.

"We are grateful for Bill’s leadership and expertise as U.S. Travel pursues a bold agenda of growth and improvements to the traveler experience,” said Freeman. “Bill’s prior leadership of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board provides him a unique understanding of key issues and the levers that need to be pulled to achieve success in Washington.”

Freeman departed from the AGA to head the Grocery Manufacturers Association (now known as the Consumer Brands Association). He left in 2022 for the U.S. Travel Association. 

What U.S. Travel Offers 

The goal of the U.S. Travel Association is to boost travel to and across the United States. 

In 2023, visitors in the US allocated $1.3 trillion, generating an economic impact of $2.8 trillion, according to the trade association. The tourism sector backs over 15 million jobs in the United States. 

“When the travel industry thrives, America thrives,” the U.S. Travel Association’s website reads.