A former Holiday Which? head of research has taken the newly-created role of head of policy at VisitBritain.
The position is to help the national tourism agency influence government opinion-formers and decision-makers to support growth of Britain’s £114 billion visitor economy.
Anne Harvey has been appointed to the position, joining from the House of Commons where she worked for the Scottish National Party’s Westminster Group as parliamentary business manager.
She will work with public and private sector partners in the industry to identify impediments which affect the competitiveness of Britain as a destination and develop a shared, research-based policy agenda to effect change, VisitBritain said.
“Initial areas include welcome, sustainability, the impact of taxes and visas oncost and ease of access, as well as the implications of changing demographics.”
Reporting to director of strategy and insights Patricia Yates, Harvey will work with VisitBritain’s head of government affairs to “advocate the most conducive political, legislative and fiscal environment for tourism by briefing parliamentarians, civil servants, advisers and policy influencers in all of the UK’s political institutions”.
Harvey previously spent a decade as head of research at Holiday Which? magazine, where she handled Consumers’ Association responses on all government tourism consultations, in addition to reporting on British destinations.
Yates, a former editor of Holiday Which?, said: “She is a familiar face to many political figures and her experience, background in policy formation and knowledge of parliamentary processes will complement our existing expertise.
“Her appointment comes at an important time for the industry as issues from visas, taxation and red tape, to Heathrow expansion and sustainability may all impact on our international competitiveness. Anne will be invaluable in helping us keep the pressure on Government to recognise the role tourism can play in creating jobs and supporting the UK economy.”
Harvey said: “I look forward to engaging with the challenges and opportunities afforded by the present economic climate, and to championing the tourist industry by taking the case for prioritising sustainable tourism right to the heart of government and the devolved administrations.”
by Phil Davies
