VisitBritain has announced two appointments to ensure it is best placed to drive tourism to Britain, deliver its strategy and build for the future.
Gavin Landry, based in New York, has been named executive vice president, international, leading the strategic direction of VisitBritain’s global teams working alongside a group of C-suite executives based in London. Britain’s national tourism agency has markets across the globe including Europe, the Americas, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC) and Asia Pacific.
At the same time, Paul Gauger has stepped into the role of executive vice president, the Americas, Australia and New Zealand. Also based in New York City, he will lead travel trade, marketing, partnerships and communications teams in São Paolo, Toronto, San Diego, Los Angeles, New York City and Sydney, with responsibility for driving visitation to Britain from these key regions.
VisitBritain’s latest forecast for 2023 estimates 35.1 million inbound visits to the U.K., 86 percent of 2019 levels and 18 percent higher than levels recorded in 2022. Its forecast for overseas visitor spending in the U.K. this year is £29.5 billion (approximately $35.8 billion), a projected record high for annual inbound visitor spend. VisitBritain has significant activity to deliver in the next couple of months including the launch of the next phase of its “Great Britain” marketing campaign and hosting international buyers for the Britain and Ireland Marketplace.
This year promises to be an eventful one for Britain with the official coronation of King Charles III on May 6. Visitors can immerse themselves in royal history and heritage, with tours and exhibitions at Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace, Hampton Court Palace, Buckingham Palace and Palace of Holyroodhouse. Not to be missed is the chance to see the Coronation Regalia at the Tower of London, including the Imperial State Crown, worn by monarchs after their coronation. Liverpool gets ready to take center stage for the 67th edition of the “Eurovision Song Contest” on May 13. The Liverpool Arena, on the banks of the River Mersey in the heart of the UNESCO City of Music, is poised to welcome talent from across the continent and beyond.
For more information, visit www.visitbritain.com.
Related Stories
Scholastic Tour Operator GeoCultura Debuts With 19 Departures
Ellen Davis Joins U.S. Travel Association
Patricia Yates to Step Up as Interim CEO of VisitBritain
Audley Travel Names New President and MD for its U.S. Business