VisitBritain begins staff redundancy talks

National tourism agency VisitBritain, which controversially had its budget slashed by the Government last year, has begun redundancy talks with its staff.

As part of a planned restructure, staff numbers in London will be reduced by 40% to around 135, although VisitBritain said the actual headcount reduction could be lower due to current vacancies and potential outsourcing.

Staff levels overseas will be reduced by a quarter to around 145 as well, with most overseas cuts in near-European markets in which the devolved tourism agencies, such as VisitScotland, now market their respective brands.

Tom Wright, chief executive of VisitBritain, said: “This restructure is designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the national tourism organisation, taking into account the devolution of tourism over the last few years.”

Earlier this month the Select Committee for Culture, Media and Sport warned that the Government was “failing to give the necessary support to UK tourism during a challenging period for the industry”.

The group of influential MPs also described the decision last year to cut VisitBritain’s funding by 18% as “baffling”.

Further details of the tourism agency’s restructure will be given in October. 

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By Chris Druce

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