Coventry’s destination management organisation has appointed a new strategic board with a strong private sector presence to drive the growth of the visitor economy in the city and the wider region.
Destination Coventry represents leisure tourism in Coventry through Visit Coventry and business tourism in Coventry and Warwickshire via the recently re-launched Coventry & Warwickshire Convention Bureau.
The board will be chaired by Paul Michael, Managing Director at Coventry Building Society Arena. Paul will lead the new commercially focused board that brings together tourism industry experts and other sector specialists, with a mix of public and private sector representation.
It comes after a period of change for Destination Coventry over the last 12 months which has seen the launch of a new business model, partnership marketing approach and new brands for leisure and business tourism markets.
Each member brings a designated specialism to the board to ensure the organisation is able to support the strength and breadth of the visitor economy.
Paul Michael is joined on the board by Paul McMahon, Managing Director of Destination Coventry; Corin Crane, Chief Executive of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce; Paula Deas, from Coventry City Council; and Jo Dobson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Police and Engagement) at Coventry University Group.
Richard Harrison, of No Ordinary Hospitality Management; Dal Dhillon, of Dhillon’s Brewery; Chris Hartley, of Hartley Consulting and Events; and Paul Bartlett of Warwick Conferences; have also joined the board.
The hotel sector is represented by Michael Lyons, from Hotel Indigo Coventry; and James Howard, from Hampton by Hilton Nuneaton.
Destination Coventry’s board also includes representation from the creative and cultural sector with the appointments of Becky Rooney, founder of Film Friendly; and Jonathan Owen of Superstruct UK Festivals.
Chris Mcturk, owner of 147 Nightclub in Coventry, will bring a night-time economy specialism to the board.
Becky Frall, Head of Tourism at West Midlands Growth Company, will also support the board in an advisory role and work with Destination Coventry to support strong connections with the wider West Midlands tourism sector.
The board sits under the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Group and board members are appointed for a fixed three-year term.
Paul Michael, Chair of Destination Coventry, said: “I’m proud to be leading such an ambitious, dynamic and skilled strategic body of individuals that are all passionate about working together to drive a positive future for the visitor economy.
“We wanted to establish a board that is bespoke to our visitor economy and with industry sector specialists, from traditional sector such as conferences and events, to emerging sectors including music, digital and creative. We’re pleased to be uniting the region’s academic sector on the board too.
“Following a robust selection process, with some really strong applicants, we have built a in-depth board which will play a crucial role in positioning the city and wider region as a world-class destination for business and leisure tourism.”
To find out more about Visit Coventry visit www.visitcoventry.co.uk. For the Coventry & Warwickshire Convention Bureau visit www.visitcoventry.co.uk/meetcoventryandwarwickshire