VisitBritain tourism agency to cut jobs
National tourism agency to axe 70 jobs and close its offices in 13 countries as government cuts bite
VisitBritain, the national tourism agency, is to cut up to 30% of its staff and close its offices in 13 countries just as it prepares for an expected rise in overseas visitors generated by the royal wedding in April and the Queen's diamond jubilee and the London Olympics and Paralympics next year.
Some 70 jobs will go in the UK and abroad as the agency reacts to a four-year fall of 34% in its government grant to just over £21m in 2014-15.
It hopes to attract 30 million tourists and business visitors this year, spending £17bn, although the credit crunch and economic uncertainty mean earnings will fall short of a 2006 peak.
The agency will not have a visitors' centre in London once its lease in Regent Street expires early next year. Talks are taking place with the London assembly and other agencies over whether they can provide tourism information in the capital.
VisitBritain bosses also plan to cut finance, IT, HR and communications staff, saying their job is to bring visitors to this country and others can help them when they are here. They believe they can deliver most messages via the internet and smartphones, the same technology that has helped drive the closure of local tourist information centres.
Offices will close in Argentina, the Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Hong Kong (leaving Beijing and Shanghai offices in China), Hungary, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa and Thailand. The agency says the remaining 21 main markets – with offices in 24 cities – account for 80% of UK income from tourists.
The chief executive, Sandie Dawe, said the changes, which are going out for consultation, reflected priorities. 'Our goal is to maximise the tourism opportunities of hosting a raft of major iconic events over the next two years.
'We need to ensure this clarity of focus is supported by the right structure and skills. I have every confidence in the professionalism and passion of my team to deliver on our ambitions and for our partners and the whole tourism industry.'
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