L-R: Kate Doodson – Joint Chief Executive, Cosmic UK; Liz Hore – Director, Victoria Inn, Salcombe; Michael Ruiter – Centre Manager Seaton Jurassic, Devon Wildlife Trust; Cllr Andrew Leadbetter – Cabinet Member for Economy & Growth, Devon County Council; Joshua McCarty – Head of Marketing, National Marine Aquarium; Sally Everton – Owner, Sally Everton Associates; Simon Fishwick – Chair of DATA; Rhys Roberts – Director, Best Western Tiverton Hotel; Tim Hassell – Estates Director, Thurlestone Estates Ltd; Robin Barker – Owner, Services for Tourism; Alasdair Cameron – Managing Director, Exeter Cathedral; Rick Turner – Director of the Flock, The Big Sheep.

Visit Devon CIC appoints new board

Visit Devon have appointed a new board, Chair and Company Secretary to develop Visit Devon as the go to company for tourism and hospitality businesses located in Devon.

The Community Interest Company will work on behalf of the tourism and hospitality industry to promote Devon within the UK and overseas to attract new and additional visitors to the county.

The first board meeting was held on Monday (13 July) at the Best Western Tiverton Hotel and discussions were held on opportunities available to Visit Devon CIC to develop the industry and to promote this beautiful county within the UK and overseas.

Board members were appointed in relation to their own personal skills and experience within the tourism and hospitality industry and what they could bring to the board of Visit Devon CIC. Rhys Roberts, Director of the Best Western Tiverton Hotel was confirmed Chair of Visit Devon CIC, and Simon Fishwick, Chair of Devon Association of Tourist Attractions (DATA) was appointed as Company Secretary.

Rhys Roberts, Chair of Visit Devon said “I am privileged to lead such a talented and experienced team who intend moving forward quickly to achieve our objectives of promoting and supporting tourism businesses to increase sustainable profits to the benefit of the residents and visitors of Devon.”

Visit Devon CIC Board:

Chair of Visit Devon, Rhys Roberts – Director, Best Western Tiverton Hotel
Company Secretary, Simon Fishwick – Chair of DATA
Alasdair Cameron – Managing Director, Exeter Cathedral
Sally Everton – Owner, Sally Everton Associates
Joshua McCarty – Head of Marketing, National Marine Aquarium
Michael Ruiter – Centre Manager Seaton Jurassic, Devon Wildlife Trust
Tim Hassell – Estates Director, Thurlestone Estates Ltd
Liz Hore – Director, Victoria Inn, Salcombe
Kate Doodson – Joint Chief Executive, Cosmic UK
Alex Graeme – Owner, Unique Devon Tours
Tanya Bellingham – Programme Lead Events Management, Plymouth University
Rick Turner – Director of the Flock, The Big Sheep
Cllr Andrew Leadbetter – Cabinet Member for Economy & Growth, Devon County Council

Robin Barker, of Services for Tourism, will act as a non-executive board director and Victoria Hatfield, of Exeter City Council, will act as an advisor, both in relation to funding matters, marketing, research and opportunities available to Visit Devon CIC.

The immediate priorities of Visit Devon CIC are to develop a business plan and a marketing strategy to promote Devon to the UK and overseas.