VisitBritain announced the launch of a U.S. Tourism Advisory Council at Destination Britain North America, its leading North American business-to-business event, which was held in Austin, Texas, earlier this month.
"The global travel and tourism industry is more competitive than ever thanks to steady growth from international travelers. The council's insights and expertise will further strengthen Britain's role as a world-class destination," said Gavin Landry, VisitBritain executive vice president for the Americas and a member of the advisory council.
In addition to Landry, the U.S. Tourism Advisory Council members are Paul Barry, Avanti Destinations; Jeremy Palmer, Tauck; Zine Belhonchet (represented by Dan Guenther), Rail Europe; Chuck Imhof, Delta Air Lines; Stephen McGillivray, Travel Leaders Network; Wendy Olson Killion (represented by Jennifer Andre), Expedia; Guy Young, the Travel Corporation; and Paul Gauger, Sheelagh Wylie and Carl Walsh of VisitBritain. The members were welcomed at the annual, three-day Austin event, which attracts British tourism businesses, North American buyers and travel trade media. This year there were 150 attendees for three days of meetings, networking opportunities and educational seminars.
Concurrently, VisitBritain said it will be debuting a series of bookable products on its consumer website designed specifically to appeal to Americans when they travel to Britain.
Sponsors of Destination Britain North America include Visit Wales, Air Canada, Strawberry Fields and the Discover England Fund.