National tourism agency reveals new hub
Victoria Square House in Birmingham has been revealed as the new hub for national tourism agency VisitBritain/VisitEngland from April.
The agency, which raises Britain’s profile worldwide as a visitor destination, says it selected the West Midlands due to its strong international and UK transport links, talent pool and the successful transition of other government departments and private sector companies to the area.
A second announcement was made at VisitEngland’s Advisory Board meeting in Coventry, that the region would become the second pilot for the country’s new Destination Development Partnership (DDP) model.
Following an independent review into tourism boards by Nick de Bois CBE, the DDP was introduced to focus on tourism sector skills, sustainability and accessibility, levelling up, inward investment, business and major events, product development and data collection and analysis.
The West Midlands DDP will made up of the Birmingham, Solihull & Black Country Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) and Coventry & Warwickshire LVEP and will be a blueprint for the rest of England, delivering economy growth through the visitor economy across its local authorities.
The West Midlands Growth Company supported VisitBritain/VisitEngland throughout the competitive national process to select a new hub office in England.
Patricia Yates, CEO, VisitBritain/VisitEngland, added: “We are delighted to have secured office space in central Birmingham as we begin the transition to our new hub.
“We are excited about the opportunities and perspectives that having our hub in Birmingham will bring, alongside its excellent transport links for both our international and Britain based staff and access to a broad talent pool.
“Basing our hub office in Birmingham also brings us closer to our regional stakeholders across England including the West Midlands Growth Company. We are delighted that they have become a Destination Development Partnership pilot and will be working with them to drive the economic benefits from tourism across the nations and regions.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “VisitBritain/VisitEngland’s move to the West Midlands is a major vote of confidence in our region and comes at a time when visitor numbers here are at a record high.
“From more Michelin starred restaurants than anywhere outside London to a feast of major sporting fixtures and festivals each and every weekend, the region’s tourism scene is a cornerstone of our economic offer, attracting visitors from around the world”.
