DZG CEO joins Tourism Council board

DZG CEO, Peter Suddock has joined the industry-led board of employers and leading players in the tourism and hospitality sector at the newly-launched Tourism Council.

  The partnership, between the Government and the tourism and hospitality sector, will focus on improving skills, increasing quality and quantity of jobs available and boosting enterprise.   The launch of the council was announced by the Minister for Tourism Helen Grant at the British Hospitality Association annual summit, in London, who said the venture will share and develop best practice so that tourism continues to thrive.     She said: “The tourism and hospitality industry helps us sell Britain, helps contribute to economic growth and helps drive investment. The Government is committed to working in partnership with the sector to build on the success achieved to date and to help deliver further economic growth for tourism related businesses across the country.”   The Tourism Council, which will hold its inaugural meeting next month, will be co-chaired by the Tourism Minister, the Minister for Skills and Enterprise, Matthew Hancock and Simon Vincent, a senior industry representative from Hilton Worldwide. It will be made up of 22 members representing industries engaged in transportation, hospitality, entertainment, travel and accommodation.    Signed up members include VisitBritain, VisitEngland and the British Hospitality Association along with companies such as Whitbread, easyjet, John Lewis, Google, Eurostar and Expedia.  

Mr Suddock said:  “Tourism is vitally important to the West Midlands economy, bringing in one billion pounds per annum.  

“DZG plays its part by thriving as a totally unique attraction and it is essential that we use this voice for the sector to reinforce our message on economic impact and skills opportunities at the highest level.”

James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland said: “Tourism makes a valuable contribution to the economy in England and is a major driver of jobs. We look forward to working in partnership with Government and industry as part of the Tourism Council to ensure it continues to be an engine for growth in this country.”