Brigid Simmonds appointed chair of Tourism Alliance

Brigid Simmonds OBE, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), has been appointed the new chairman of the Tourism Alliance.

Speaking at the alliance's AGM today, tourism minister John Penrose congratulated Simmonds on her appointment.

"Next year is very important for the tourism industry with the implementation of the Government's new Tourism Policy, the work of the Regulation Taskforce and, of course, the major tourism events of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics. With Brigid's appointment as the new chairman, the Tourism Alliance is well placed to help deliver these initiatives for the tourism industry," he said.

Simmonds replaces Ken Robinson CBE in the role.

"Ken is a tireless champion for the tourism industry and for the alliance over the past two years. I am pleased to hear that he will stay on the alliance board so that his expertise and enthusiasm can be fully utilised," Penrose said.

Simmonds commented: "I am very pleased to have been appointed to this position and look forward to representing the diverse interests of our tourism industry. The Government has set some challenging targets for the growth of both the inbound and domestic tourism sectors over the next four years and, I'm committed to ensure that the Alliance maintains and builds on its important role as a conduit between the industry and Government to ensure these targets are met."

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By Neil Gerrard

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