Following the announcement of the West Midlands’ new Advisory Board, it is now calling for tourism and hospitality professionals to apply and represent the industry at a regional level.
The West Midlands Tourism and Hospitality Advisory Board will be set up in the autumn to drive forward the region’s visitor economy.
The new board aims to provide a high-profile and recognisable presence for tourism and hospitality in the West Midlands as a sector consultee for regional and UK Government proposals.
It also strives to create better links for all of the elements which contribute to the West Midlands’ visitor economy, and ensure that relevant nationwide initiatives are understood and leveraged for action in the region.
Who’s involved?
Advising the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the Mayor of the West Midlands. It will replace and build on the work of the West Midlands Regional Board for Tourism, which was set up in 2020.
The secretariat for the board will be provided by the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC), working with the night-time economy sector, and hospitality and tourism businesses.
The board will be chaired by Andrew Lovett, chief executive of the Black Country Living Museum, who has 30 years of leadership experience working across the museums, leisure, tourism, arts, heritage and protected landscape sectors.
Sector strength and growth
Lovett said: “We have launched the search for enthusiastic, knowledgeable and committed team players to join our new West Midlands Tourism and Hospitality Advisory Board, who can successfully represent the geography, diversity and inclusivity of our region’s magnificently varied and unique visitor economy.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for people who want to make a difference, are passionate about tourism and hospitality and are leaders in their visitor-facing fields, whether it’s accommodation, food and drink, transport, events, performance, entertainment or attractions.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, added: “Hospitality is a real strong suit for us here in the West Midlands. The sector has the potential to be a major growth area and job creator in our region in the coming months and years – despite the many pressures and challenges we’re facing.
“Introducing the Advisory Board will help us to double down on our natural strengths, draw on our wealth of local expertise and work together to tackle the challenges facing the industry.”
The deadline for applicants is 3 October.
