Sandra Matthews-Marsh FTS, Chief Executive of Visit Kent, was elected as the new Chairman of the Tourism Society during the Society’s board meeting held in London on December 11th. Matthews-Marsh takes over the role from David Curtis-Brignell FTS, who held the position from July 2012.On accepting the role, Matthews-Marsh thanked Immediate Past Chairman Curtis-Brignell FTS for his tireless dedication to and enthusiasm for the Society over both the past eighteen months and his first stint as Chairman from 2004 to 2007.
She said: “I am honoured and delighted to take on this role to help drive forward the work of the Tourism Society. The Society supports its members through an ambitious programme, promoting the highest levels professionalism through events and a vibrant network. I am keen to forge strong partnerships in my role as Chairman and do all I can to support the ongoing growth of the visitor economy.”
Matthews-Marsh has had almost twenty-five years’ experience in the tourism industry. She has led the leading private/public Destination Management Organisation Visit Kent as Chief Executive for the past nine years and played a key role in securing significant European funding over the last six years in order to fund the work of Visit Kent. This new appointment is further recognition of her long-standing commitment to the industry.
Two existing board members were elected to become the new Vice-Chairmen: Hayley Beer MTS and Michael Jones FTS. Beer is Tourism Services Manager at West Oxford District Council and has considerable experience in working with public, private and voluntary sector organisations. Jones is Managing Director of consulting group Delta Squared and has a rich background in sales and marketing within the hospitality industry.
