In an effort to increase local involvement and communication with its business partners in Alaska, Princess has appointed well-known Alaska executive Bruce Bustamante to serve in a new role as vice president of community and public affairs.  

Bustamante leaves his position as president and CEO of the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau, to join Princess. 

As Princess' senior executive in the state, Bustamante will be based in Anchorage and will bring extensive knowledge of the state's business operations to his position with Princess.  He will be a key member of the new Alaska Cruise Association and will serve as the line's liaison to this group. 

His responsibilities also include working with Alaska's elected leaders and local agencies, and assisting with strategic development for Princess' Alaska operating units as part of the Princess Tours executive committee.  Bustamante will also serve as Princess' Alaska-based point-of-contact for local businesses who wish to work with the company and he will coordinate the line's charitable efforts in the state. 

A long-time Alaska resident, Bustamante's local business experience not only includes seven years as head of the Anchorage CVB, but also more than 17 years with Alaska Airlines, most recently serving as regional director of sales in Alaska.

"Bruce is well respected throughout Alaska and we are delighted to have someone of his caliber join our team," said Charlie Ball, president of Princess Tours.  "He brings to Princess a keen perspective on doing business in a state that is very important to our operations.  In this new role he will be instrumental to our growth in Alaska and will enable us to work even more closely with the local communities in which we operate."

Bustamante serves on the boards of a number of regional organizations, including the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA), Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and the Western Association of Convention & Visitors Bureau (WACVB).  In addition, he is currently serving on the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.  Bustamante is also a member of many affiliate organizations for tourism, marketing, and association executives, including Destination Marketing Association International, American Marketing Association, American Society of Association Executives, and the Center for Association Leadership.