Bob Cotton appointed chair of London Business Tourism Group

Bob Cotton has been has been named the chair of the newly created London Business Tourism Group (LBTG) by the Mayor of London’s office.

Currently chief executive of the British Hospitality Association – a post he will step down from after the next election - Cotton will take the chair at the LBTG with immediate effect. 

The Group was established in September by Visit London with the support of Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. Its was created to improve communications between event organisers and public suppliers in the capital, making the city more welcoming for business visitors. 

Daniel Ritterband, the Mayor's director of marketing, who has been charged with the group's development, said: “Attracting conferences, congresses and all forms of business tourism is incredibly important for the London economy and the Mayor is keen that everything is done to strengthen the capital's offer as the world's greatest business destination.

"We are delighted that Bob has taken up the role of chair and he brings with him a wealth of experience. His appointment will strengthen the group as well as the profile of the business tourism industry in the capital and we all look forward to working with him."

Tracy Halliwell, director of Business Tourism at Visit London added: "The second meeting of the LBTG was particularly successful as we were able to introduce the new chair to the group and also agree a number of objectives for 2010. Visit London is determined that this group is one which makes real and valuable changes to London's business tourism offer."

The LBTG’s next meeting will be in April 2010.

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By James Stagg

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