Rodrigues appointed for second term as VisitBritain chairman
Christopher Rodrigues has been appointed to serve a second four-year term as chairman of VisitBritain.
He will provide the strategic leadership of the national tourism agency as it capitalises on the Royal Wedding, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to showcase Britain and deliver a permanent increase in tourism to the UK.
Rodrigues said he is delighted to be reappointed to the role at such an opportune moment for British tourism.
"In a few months the eyes of the world will be on the Royal Wedding at Westminster Abbey and next summer they will be focused on the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Games," he said.
"These and other iconic events present us with an unprecedented opportunity to boost Britain's image abroad and promote our attractiveness as a destination. I am determined to do my utmost to ensure that tourism, already Britain's fifth largest industry and third biggest earner of foreign exchange, makes a major contribution to the rebalancing and rebuilding of Britain's economy."
Tourism minister John Penrose MP said: "Christopher's vast knowledge and experience will allow VisitBritain and the wider industry as a whole to reap the benefits, creating growth and raising the profile of the UK abroad, and I'm delighted he will be serving a second term as chairman."
Rodrigues became chairman of VisitBritain in January 2007. He is also chairman of International Personal Finance, The Windsor Leadership Trust and The Almeida Theatre and a council member of the National Trust.
He has been an independent non-executive director at Ladbrokes since 2003 and is an executive committee member of the World Travel and Tourism Council.
His past experience includes time as president and chief executive of Visa International from 1997 to 2003 and chief executive of Thomas Cook between 1988 and 1996.
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By Janet Harmer
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