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High profile deputy chairman for VisitBritain
VisitBritain has made a second high profile appointment to its senior Board.
The organisation, which markets Britain to the rest of the world and England to the British, this week announced the appointment of Viscountess Penelope Cobham as deputy chairman.
Lady Cobham is also chairman of the British Casino Association, 100.7 Heart FM and Galaxy 102.2 FM, chairman of the Trustees of the Gulbenkian Prize for museums and galleries, a trustee of Thinktank, the Birmingham Museum of Science and Discovery, and a trustee of People 1st (a skills council for the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industries).
She has previously served on the boards and national bodies of English Heritage, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Countryside Commission and British Waterways, among others.
Her role is deputy to Lord Marshall of Knightsbridge, the former British Airways chairman who took on chairmanship of VisitBritain at the start of 2005.
Commenting on the appointment Lord Marshall said: “This is an important appointment for VisitBritain.
Penny’s extensive experience in the visitor, leisure and media industries is a great asset for us as we enter into a number of new overseas markets and maintain a comprehensive programme of marketing in partnership with the commercial industry.
“She will work with me to maintain a high profile for the inbound and domestic visitor economy with our key stakeholders as well as ensuring accountability to Government and the industry.”
Outlining the challenges that lay ahead for VisitBritain, Lady Cobham mentioned increasing visitor spend.
Recent figures released by VisitBritain show the country had a record year in 2004 in terms of visitor numbers, and although total overseas visitor spend in 2004 reached £12.8 billion, up 8% from 2003, it has only just drawn level with 2000.
Report by Ginny McGrath
Ginny McGrath
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