The Tourism Alliance, the tourism industry’s umbrella body that represents 53 organisations, has elected Deirdre Wells as its new chair. 

In taking on the one-year tenure, Wells brings with her over two decades of experience in the cultural, events and tourism sectors.

Wells is currently the chief executive officer of UKinbound and prior to this appointment she was the Government’s head of tourism.

Her career in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport spanned over 20 years, during which she held several positions, including programme manager for the Olympic Legacy Board and relationship manager for Liverpool Capital of Culture 2008.

Wells will work with the organisation’s 12 strong committee, she will aid the lobbying of Government in the UK and Brussels on key strategic issues that face the domestic, inbound and outbound tourism industries, including Brexit negotiations and the Industrial Strategy.

Regarding her election, Wells said:“I’m honoured to be asked to take on the chairmanship of this excellent organisation at a time of real challenge for the industry. Whether it is the impact of the Brexit negotiations, the recent security threats, or the opportunity of securing a new Industrial Strategy, there has never been a more pressing time for the industry to come together and speak with one voice to ensure our concerns are heard at the highest level in Government.”