UKinbound has announced the appointment of James Aitken, managing director of Cashel Travel, as incoming chair.
Aitken brings with him over 30 years of senior level experience in the UK and Irish inbound tourism industry.
Having set up and run four companies and founded destination management company and incoming tour operator Cashel Travel in 2000, his substantial business knowledge will be very valuable in his new role.
Aitken commented; “I am absolutely delighted to have been elected to the post of UKinbound chairman.
“It is a great honour to be representing an industry that has been so important in my life and I look forward to carrying on the excellent work of the current chair Mark McVay.
“My key priorities as chairman will be to try and help more young people enter the inbound tourism industry, widen the association’s membership across the UK and ensure that our industry continues to receive the respect it deserves within Government and across all political parties.”
Aitken has sat on the UKinbound board since 2014, was president of the Scotland chapter of SITE (Society for Incentive Travel Excellence) for two years and has served on the travel trade steering group of VisitScotland.
He is also managing director of the specialist tour operator Great British Trips, which has its head office in Manchester.
James Aitken will begin the role of chair from February 6th.