New chairman looks to build industry links

Visit USA

New chairman looks to build industry links

NEW chairman of the Visit USA Association Brian Kendal, account manager for Trans World Airlines, will be at World Travel Market to meet the trade.

Previously vice-chairman of the board, he succeeds Stella Clery-Ackland of Cellet Travel Services, whose term of office comes to a close.

Kendal will head the association which has over 160UK-based companies as its membership.

These include representatives from tour operators, airlines, car-rental companies, hotels, attractions and theme parks, as well US destinations and tourist offices.

Kendal paid tribute to the work of the UK committee in the running of trade activities and events which is done on a voluntary basis for the non-profit organisation. “Some people don’t realise that the Visit USA board of committee members are all giving their time freely,” he said.

Kendal also wants to build on the growing relationship with the Travel Industry Association of America, which opened a UK and European office in London at the beginning of this year.

“Much has been said in the press about the ‘confusion’ over who does what in the marketing of the US,” he added.

“Together, we are going to make very sure that over the next 12 months, Visit USA, TIA and the US Government Commercial Service alliance becomes better known to every travel agent and, indeed, consumer, as the place to come to for information, training and support.”