News Release
Embargoed until 00:01, 03 October 2017
Visit Chichester appoints new Chairperson
Visit Chichester, the official destination management organisation for Chichester District, which represents the interests of the tourism sector, are delighted to announce Craig Gershater as their new Chairperson with effect from 1 October 2017. Craig succeeds Andy Clegg who stepped down in April 2017.
Craig comes to Visit Chichester with a wealth of experience in major business including being CEO of his own scientific consultancy company and previously as a senior scientist/manager at SmithKilne Beecham (later GSK). He lives in the city and is a qualified and prize winning Institute of Tourist Guiding Blue Badge Tour Guide in Chichester, Portsmouth and elsewhere across the south east of England.
A Visit Chichester spokesperson said, “The Visit Chichester Board was impressed with Craig’s enthusiasm and vision for the organisation which, with additional funding, now has a superb opportunity to expand the range of work and services that it undertakes on the part of the tourism sector.”
Craig, who takes up his position with immediate effect, said “I am delighted to be offered and accept this position. Chichester has the potential to become a nationally and internationally recognised high calibre tourist destination with a huge range of unique attractions, amenities, and that special extra something that makes the city and district such a “lovely place to visit”. I will work with key stakeholders to help define an agenda and plan that enables the Destination Management Organisation to deliver oninnovative and highly rewarding initiatives to enhance the overall visitor experience and drive the tourism into this district that it deserves.
Tony Dignum, Leader of Chichester District Council, which will be supporting the organisation with new funding, said “This an exciting new era for the tourism sector and visitor economy in the district. The District Council wishes Craig and his team at Visit Chichester every success in capitalising on the undoubted potential of our city and district as a place to visit.”
Further information on Visit Chichester, including events and things to do in the District can be found at
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Notes to editors:
According to Visit England data, tourism produces the following in Chichester District:
5.2 million day trips each year generating a spend of £144million
405,000 ‘staying’ trips each year, equating to 1.3 million ‘bed nights’,generating a spend of £75million
c. 7,500 jobs in tourism and leisure, plus numerous ‘support’ jobs
Further information contact: Paul Over 07775 706082
Photo:
l/r Paul Over, Interim Chair Visit Chichester; Tony Dignum, Leader, Chichester District Council; Craig Gershater, Visit Chichester Chairperson & Olaf Gueldner, Visit Chichester Director & Goodwood Estate