Ukinbound chief executive Deirdre Wells has been elected as chairman of the Tourism Alliance.
The former government head of tourism will head the tourism industry’s umbrella body representing 53 organisations.
In taking on the one-year tenure, Wells brings with her more than two decades of experience in the cultural, events and tourism sectors.
Her career in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport spanned over 20 years, during which she held several high-profile positions, including programme manager for the Olympic Legacy Board and relationship manager for Liverpool Capital of Culture 2008.
Wells will work with the Tourism Alliance’s 12-strong committee to establish and maintain a favourable operating environment for all businesses involved in the delivery of tourism.
She will aid the lobbying of government in the UK and Brussels on key strategic issues that face the domestic, inbound and outbound tourism industries, including Brexit negotiations and the industrial strategy.
Wells said “I’m honoured to be asked to take on the chairmanship of this excellent organisation at a time of real challenge for the industry.
“Whether it is the impact of the Brexit negotiations, the recent security threats, or the opportunity of securing a new industrial strategy, there has never been a more pressing time for the industry to come together and speak with one voice to ensure our concerns are heard at the highest level in government.”