VisitBritain has denied the decision to get rid of a key position dedicated to working with the UK trade will harm sales of domestic breaks.
The role of sales and trade marketing manager Claire Hancer is being merged with a post in the marketing division. The move, part of a restructure at VisitBritain, which will see 11% of jobs go, is aimed at encouraging expansion in the Asian market.
Hancer was recently acknowledged as public sector woman of the year at the Shine awards for women in travel .
In addition to working with the UK trade, the new partnerships manager will work with international markets as well as develop links with overseas suppliers. The role is open for Hancer to apply for.
A spokesman said: “The new position will be part of a bigger team and will bring in the international side of the business, which we can offer to UK agents.”
The restructuring in the run- up to the 2012 Olympic Games has been criticised by Visit London chief executive James Bidwell. “The industry must increase investment to ensure delivery of the estimated £2 billion the games will bring,” he said.