Chair - British Tourist Authority

Organisation description The BTA is an Arm’s Length Body of DCMS. It was set up by the Development of Tourism Act (1969). The BTA has a statutory duty: To encourage people to visit Great Britain and people living in Great Britain to take their holidays there; and To encourage the provision and improvement of tourist amenities and facilities in Great Britain. The BTA trades as both VisitBritain and VisitEngland, with each organisation having different responsibilities. It acts as the Government’s strategic adviser on tourism matters. VisitBritain’s main activities are: Running a global network of offices that market Great Britain as a tourist destination to consumers in those regions. VisitBritain have staff in Canada, USA, Brazil, UAE, India, China, South Korea, Japan, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Sweden and Australia; Delivering economic growth through marketing campaigns in conjunction with commercial partners, including airlines and the travel trade; Undertaking and disseminating research and data concerning inbound travel and analysing this to advise Government and industry; Winning Business events including running the Business Events Growth Programme, which is focused on bringing international business events to the UK; Supporting UK tourism businesses by hosting and attending international travel trade shows and missions; An online shop that delivers revenue to the business; and Running an internal transformation programme to enhance digital and people capabilities. VisitEngland’s main activities are: Reshaping of the Destination Management Organisation landscape by accrediting Local Visitor Economy Partnerships; Providing advice to tourism businesses on a range of topics, including making businesses more accessible/inclusive, raising awareness of sustainability, customer insight and legal compliance; Running awards schemes for tourism businesses; and Running quality assessment schemes for tourism businesses. The Chair of the BTA Board reports to the Secretary of State for DCMS and the Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism on the BTA’s performance. Aside from the Chair, the BTA Board consists of 7 other members, including representatives from VisitScotland and VisitWales. One Board member is the Chair of the VisitEngland Advisory Board, which provides advice on tourism matters pertaining to England only. Important Information Application window closes at 11:59pm on 13 July 2025.