Connect's brief is to provide political monitoring and strategic advice to VisitBritain around the ongoing terrorist threat's effect on the UK tourist industry. This includes evaluating the responses of government, the police and the Association of British Travel Agents.
On the regional front, the Local Government White Paper published a fortnight ago gave local authorities
a bigger role in promoting the ‘wellbeing' of communities, which includes efforts to generate more tourism. They are being encouraged to strengthen partnerships with local businesses to attract more visitors.
VisitBritain is also eager that Liverpool's status as European Capital of Culture 2008, and more significantly the London 2012 Olympics, are fully exploited.
‘It is an exciting time for Britain's £74bn visitor economy,' said VisitBritain public affairs manager Stuart Barrow.
‘With issues ranging from local government finance to ensuring the 2012 legacy crosses the whole country, we face great challenges and opportunities.
Connect is understood to have prevailed in a four-way pitch. Director Andy Sawford leads the account.
