ETW Staff – Mumbai
On the back of the recent IPS (International Passenger Survey) figures for 2012, which showed an increase in visitors to London in 2012, London & Partners, the official promotional agency for the capital, has unveiled a new dedicated strategy to work with the domestic and international travel trade.
With GBP 10.08 billion in tourism receipts received last year, the travel trade play a crucial role in the promotion of London and bringing visitors to the capital. To directly address the needs of the industry, London & Partners has recently appointed Louisa Jackley as dedicated travel trade manager to drive and deliver the strategy. In London’s key markets for travel trade activity there will be dedicated representatives, Punam Singh and newly appointed Yan Zhao in India and China respectively.
The industry relations team will be attending both international and domestic events to meet the travel trade in order to build and grow relations with the travel trade as well as working with key stakeholders such as ETOA and VisitBritain. This programme of events will start with VisitBritain’s Destination Britain which attracts agents from Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa at which London & Partners will present a seminar on helping agents create to best London itineraries for their clients which will be opened by renowned chef Gary Rhodes who will talking about the culinary delights in the capital.
Julie Chappell, director of Marketing and Digital, responsible for consumer and industry marketing commented, “The travel trade are an integral part of our strategy for reaching potential and repeat visitors. It is our aim to continue to build upon the work we have always done and ensure we can support the industry and grow visitor numbers throughout 2013 and beyond.”
In addition to the new proactive programme of events, London & Partners has improved functionality on their travel trade website, created a varied toolkit including itinerary suggestions, hints and tips as well as keeping the industry informed with the latest news with a monthly newsletter.
