In Depth: Kate Nicholls: “Parliamentarians do not appreciate just how big hospitality is, so it our job to highlight the value” Face to face, page 13


England Originals unveils tour operator partnership


By Samantha Mayling


Joss Croft to join UKinbound as chief executive


UKinbound has recruited Joss Croft as chief executive, succeeding Deirdre Wells, who moved to Visit Kent. Croft has 25 years of senior


leadership experience with roles at the Department for International Trade and VisitBritain. Currently, he is director of


network communications at the Department for International Trade, having been managing director of marketing at DIT and its predecessor, UK Trade and Investment. Previously, Croft spent 16


years at VisitBritain, and was instrumental in implementing the global GREAT Britain campaign. He has also held posts at


the London Tourist Board and Convention Bureau (now London and Partners), Parc du Futuroscope and Disneyland Paris Resort. Croft said: “The UK is the best


destination in the world, and I look forward to working with the association’s membership and colleagues to build on its success.” UKinbound chairman Mark


McVay added: “We were impressed with his extensive experience in the tourism industry, recent work with DIT and strong leadership qualities, all of which will be incredibly valuable in his role as CEO.” Croft will begin his new role on


November 26, 2018. ukinbound.org


travelgbi.com


England Originals – a Discover England Fund project from England’s Historic Cities – has signed a tour operator partnership with Golden Tours.


The England Originals project


aims to encourage more US visitors to explore England and has created five packages which combine trips to regional cities, with London as the gateway. Golden Tours has developed a


system that enables consumers to book one of England Originals’ five packages or build their own tailored itinerary. The new system sits on visitlondon.


com/englandoriginals and hosts multiple tour operator packages with Golden Tours acting as a reseller. England Originals aims to ensure


“a seamless customer experience and enhance the bookable experience” for Fully Independent Travellers (FITs) from the US. The system includes hotel


providers and rail booking providers and allows individual attractions to be bookable directly. All products and packages are commissionable.


Salisbury Cathedral


England’s Historic Cities is


working with Golden Tours to raise awareness of the destinations and bring more tour operators on board. Nicola Said, England’s Historic


Cities project manager, commented: “This new partnership brings to fruition six months of strategically developing each of the five itineraries. “By tapping into Golden Tours’


distribution channels we’re able to give consumers a straightforward and hassle-free way of booking our tours.” Nick Palan, Golden Tours chief


executive, added: “We are truly excited by this partnership – an innovative idea, supported by creative marketing and a market- friendly IT solution.” Mark McVay, UKinbound


chairman, said: “One of our priorities is to encourage our international visitors to explore more of the UK, and this project wonderfully showcases our diverse product, accompanied by a clear booking tool.”


8


The government has granted an additional £250,000 to Mayflower 400, a project which will mark the 400th anniversary


in 2020 of the sailing of the Mayflower to the US. The funding will be used to


encourage American visitors to join the anniversary in England and develop a digital Mayflower trail next year. Plymouth is leading a


national partnership of 11 English destinations which are developing a programme of


cultural events and activities as part of the anniversary. The latest grant award follows


a visit to Plymouth’s historic waterfront area by Michael Ellis, tourism minister.


FIND OUT MORE visitlondon.com/englandoriginals


Mayflower 400 project awarded £250,000 grant Ellis said anniversaries such as


Mayflower 400 “play a vital role in proving that the UK is open for business”. He added: “This has the


potential to have a similar effect on the city as the UK City of Culture 2017 had in Hull, and will have on Coventry in 2021. That’s why we fully support the commemorations, which will play a major part in ensuring a strong legacy for Plymouth as a tourist


destination.” mayflower400uk.org


October 2018 | TravelGBI 5


©VisitEngland/Iain Lewis


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28