Simmonds, who was last appointed to the role in 2005, said she was looking forward to 'representing the diverse interests of our tourism industry'.
"The Government has set some challenging targets for the growth of both the inbound and domestic tourism sectors over the next four years and, I’m committed to ensure that the Alliance maintains and builds on its important role as a conduit between the industry and Government to ensure these targets are met," she said.
Major tourism events
Announcing her appointment at the Tourism Alliance's AGM earlier today, Tourism Minister John Penrose underlined the importance of the coming year to the industry.
"Next year is very important for the tourism industry with the implementation of the Government’s new Tourism Policy, the work of the Regulation Taskforce and, of course, the major tourism events of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics. With Brigid’s appointment as the new chairman, the Tourism Alliance is well placed to help deliver these initiatives for the tourism industry."
He also used the occasion to praise outgoing chairman Ken Robinson, who was in the position for two years. Robinson will remain on the Board at the Alliance.
Tourism growth strategy
The Tourism Alliance, established in 2001 with the support of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, comprises almost 50 Tourism Industry Associations that together represent 200,000 businesses of all sizes throughout the UK.
Earlier this year, the Government’s Growth Strategy identified the UK Tourism industry as one of seven sectors that are uniquely placed to help rebalance and rebuild the UK economy with the Tourism Alliance key in advising them on how the best way tourism can provide additional revenue and employment.
Brigid Simmonds, who became chief executive of the BBP in 2009, is also chair of the Sport and Recreation Alliance (formerly CCPR), the alliance of governing and representative bodies of sport and recreation in the UK.