BTA and ETC to merge
The government announced proposals yesterday to unite the two main bodies responsible for marketing Britain and England.
The British Tourist Association (BTA) and the English Tourism Council (ETC) said they welcome the move. Both said they were keen to reduce the Britain’s tourism balance of payments deficit, which is the amount of money England receives from inbound and domestic tourism less what England residents spend on overseas holidays.
England’s tourism balance of payments went from £3.2 billion in credit in 1990 to £13.2 billion defecit in 2001.
ETC chairman Alan Britten said: “It is something that the tourism industry and politicans have wanted for a long time.”
However, it was clear from statements made by representatives from BTA and ETC, that the new organisation has its work cut out.
Mr Britten said of the new organisation: “Its aim is simple: to encourage more British people to take their holidays here.” BTA chairman, David Quarmby said: “The organisation will continue to promote Scotland, Wales and England overseas as BTA has been doing, reflecting the different strengths and diversity of these wonderful destinations.”
The single body will be effective from 1 April 2003, headed by Tom Wright, the current chief executive of BTA. It is not clear yet whether any redundancies will result from the merger, but an ETC spokesperson told TravelMole they were not envisaging lots of job losses.
The name has yet to be decided, but the ETC and BTA have been asked to forward proposals to the Secretary of State. The new organisation will be responsible for the development of inbound tourism for Britain and for the marketing of England within Britain. Scotland and Wales will retain their own organisations.
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