The manager of the UK’s biggest designer outlet, a tour operator chief and director of a historic estate are among a new “super six” team of experts enlisted to spearhead the continued growth of Cheshire’s £3.9bn visitor economy.
Marketing Cheshire, the region’s tourism body, today confirmed the names of its new board members who bring with them a wealth of experience and business acumen straddling the tourism, retail and hospitality sectors.
The appointments widen representation on the board from across Cheshire and Warrington’s visitor economy. They will advise and influence Marketing Cheshire’s ongoing work with councils, attractions, leisure and hospitality businesses to promote tourism and market the region as one of the best places to invest, work, live and visit in the UK.
In March, Marketing Cheshire confirmed it had appointed Jamie Christon, CEO of Chester Zoo, the UK’s most visited paid attraction outside of London, as its chair.
Today it was confirmed the board will be bolstered further with the appointment of six high-calibre new recruits.
They are: Kenny Murray, General Manager, of Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet; Kirsten Warren, Assistant Director for the North, National Trust; James Hall, Senior Agent and Director of Cholmondeley Estates; Chris Naylor, Owner and MD of the Boutique Hotel Group; David Lyne, Managing Director, Barton Hill Travel; and Rachel Scott, Marketing & Business Development Director at the stunning Bolesworth Estate near Tattenhall.
Delighted at the appointments, Marketing Cheshire’s chair, Jamie Christon said: “Thanks to our world-class attractions, innovative businesses and stunning destinations, Cheshire and Warrington’s visitor economy is worth £3.9billion a year and supports 38,000 jobs. We attract more than 56million visits a year with ambitions for significant growth in the coming years.
“These six new board members hold crucial roles across visitor economy. Their collective expertise and insights will ensure our work to enhance and promote our tourism offer continues to evolve and thrive.”
Marketing Cheshire worked with recruitment specialists, Sherrington Associates, to appoint the new chair, and several new members for the board.
The tourism body utilises its Local Visitor Economy Partnership status from Visit England, to work in collaboration with neighbouring areas to attract national and international visitors.
It also celebrates its partners’ contributions at its annual tourism awards which champion everything from family attractions, wedding venues and holiday parks to accommodation providers, pubs and restaurants.
More detailed bios of the board can be found here
