ABTA TC11: VisitEngland appoints travel trade executive
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VisitEngland has appointed a travel tradeexecutive to boost the domestic tourism profile with travel agents. ClaireTibbles has joined the tourism agency as it announced that sales for the firsthalf of the year improved 3% year-on-year and spend increased 10%.
“We arefocused on engaging agents with our product and we will look to build knowledgeand training,” explained Stuart Heath, head of marketing partnerships atVisitEngland.
The popularity of domestic holidays has also been echoed by theHoseasons Group and Bourne Leisure, which have both seen sales increase,including those from the trade. “It’s not about the UK versus overseasanymore, it’s us and overseas. Many people are taking multiple holidays [withdomestic in the mix],” explained Geoff Cowley, chief executive ofHoseasons. “‘Them’ and ‘us’ has been bridged and there’s a space fordomestic holidays in travel agents,” added Allan Lambert, head of retailsales at Bourne Leisure. “Agents who realise this are doing well”.
Inaddition, the tourist board revealed plans to hold the first English TourismWeek next year. The event is set to take place on 10 March and will beofficially unveiled by the government next week. “We want to shine a lighton English tourism and we will encourage businesses to get involved withevents, deals and activities,” said Sarah Long, head of corporatecommunications at VisitEngland.
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