The organisation responsible for supporting and growing the visitor economy in Coventry has launched a new strategic board to help shape the future of the local and regional tourism industry.
Destination Coventry, the destination management organisation (DMO) for Coventry, is calling for individuals to join the board that are passionate about supporting the next stage in the development of the tourism industry in Coventry and Warwickshire.
The former structure will make way for a new commercially focused board, with the aim to bring together a range of tourism industry experts and sector specialists with specific skills to represent the strength of the city’s visitor economy.
Destination Coventry represents leisure tourism in Coventry and business tourism in Coventry and Warwickshire through its two consumer facing brands Visit Coventry and Conference Coventry and Warwickshire.
The organisation was formed in 2021 as a collaboration between Coventry City Council and Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
Over the last six months it has relaunched with a new partnership marketing approach and brand under the leadership of managing director Paul McMahon, with the formation of a new board signalling the next stage of the refreshed business model.
Destination Coventry is seeking a new voluntary chair and up to 15 new board directors, with all newly appointed directors given a three-year term to contribute to positioning Coventry and the surrounding region as an attractive place to live, work, visit, and invest in.
Sector specialists sought to join the board include experts in hotels, conference and venues, transports, arts and culture, universities, night-time economy, sports, digital marketing and accounting.
The board will also have representation from the local authority, Destination Coventry, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and West Midlands Growth Company.
Directors will ensure high standards of transparency and accountability for the organisation, building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders and representing the interests of Coventry and Warwickshire’s visitor and tourism economy.
Paul Michael, the current chair of Destination Coventry, will remain in his role throughout the recruitment process.
He said: “We’re incredibly proud of what Destination Coventry has achieved since launching four years ago.
“Now we are looking to the future, by building a dynamic, skilled and forward-thinking strategic board that will drive next stage of development for Destination Coventry and help deliver on its ambitious plans for the visitor economy.
“Board members will have a crucial role in positioning the city and wider region as a world-class destination for business and leisure tourism, which will have a lasting positive impact on businesses here in Coventry and Warwickshire.”
The board will sit under the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce group and the Chamber is leading on the recruitment of board members, with all roles offered on a voluntary basis for a fixed term of three years and commencing July 2025.
Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is a new chapter for Destination Coventry and a strong board will be essential to ensuring the organisation can achieve its goals.
“We are seeking a cross-section of sector specialists, people who understand how to increase footfall, drive more customers to our brilliant businesses and, most importantly, care about the area and the future of the visitor economy.
“The visitor economy is one of the most powerful sectors in our region. We have a tourism offer that is nationally significant and has huge international potential, with the right leadership we can realise that potential.”
Applications for the new Destination Coventry boards can be made by submitting a CV to Matthew Hammersley, HR Manager at Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce by email at matthewh@cw-chamber.co.uk.
For further questions or information about the roles contact Paul Michael, Chair of Destination Coventry Board and the Managing Director of Coventry Building Society Arena, via email at paul.michael@cbsarena.co.uk.
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