2018 40 Under 40:: Jamel Hardtman, Bermuda Tourism Authority on April 2.
The featured article states:
Jamal Hardtman, 36, works in New York City as Business Development Manager at Bermuda Tourism Authority. As a 2018 20 Under 40 honoree, Hardtman discusses his passion for the events industry.
What do I do: I’m responsible for driving corporate and incentive groups to Bermuda. This includes, but isn’t limited to, hosting clients on familiarization trips and site inspections, developing and maintaining relationships with corporate meeting planners, and working closely with local tourism and hospitality partners in a bid to inspire groups to choose Bermuda as their ideal corporate and incentive destination.
How I got here: Though my career began in media sales, I always had a soft spot for the industry, previously holding part time and summer jobs working in numerous hotels in various capacities throughout Bermuda. Working for Bermuda Tourism is a dream of many Bermudians, including myself. I was encouraged to apply by a former Tourism Minister and the rest is history.
Greatest career accomplishment: My greatest career accomplishment thus far has been the ability to make a successful switch from media sales to destination/tourism sales where I’ve seen my personal numbers grow year over year. Prior to tourism, I would say being able to change the way radio advertising is done in Bermuda by focusing on promoting clients’ product rather than just selling them through traditional advertising.
Impressive stats: I have only exceeded my personal sales goal by almost 150 percent, and the meeting groups I’m responsible for contributed more than $12 million dollars to Bermuda’s economy.
Mr Hardtman’s employment was terminated in January as part of a “restructure” despite his “top revenue earner” status.
We’ll be following up on his current employment status.
