Chester Zoo chief executive Jamie Christon takes on role as new chair of tourism body Marketing Cheshire. Tony McDonough reports
Chester Zoo chief executive Jamie Christon has been named as the new chair of Marketing Cheshire, taking over from Trevor Brocklebank.
Jamie runs what is the UK’s most visited paid attraction outside of London, attracting around 2m visitors a year. He has been on the Marketing Cheshire board since 2021 and also chairs the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
He brings more than two decades of tourism experience and leadership to the role. Marketing Cheshire is the tourism body for Cheshire and Warrington and a Local Visitor Economy Partnership accredited by VisitEngland.
This organisation works with councils, attractions, leisure and hospitality businesses to promote tourism and market the region as one of the best places to invest, work, live and visit in the UK.
“I’m delighted to take on the role,” said Jamie. “I will bring my experience and passion for the place, and work with partners to promote Cheshire and Warrington as one of the best destinations in the UK.
“We have incredible attractions across the region, amazing hospitality and a hugely warm welcome. Our location means we are well placed to work closer with Liverpool, Manchester and North Wales to attract more overseas visitors.
“I’m also very aware of the challenges our visitor economy businesses are facing, not least rising costs and competition.
“But there are big opportunities ahead and I look forward to working with the board, and the small but mighty team at Marketing Cheshire, to grow tourism across the region.
“And I’d also like to pay tribute to the leadership our outgoing chair Trevor provided during a hugely turbulent time for the visitor economy and wish him every success for the future.”
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Trevor Brocklebank, who had been chair since 2020, added: “Congratulations to Jamie on his appointment. He has been a hugely influential board member and key player in Cheshire tourism for many years and an excellent appointment as chair.
“I took on the role during the pandemic, which was a hugely challenging time for attractions and hospitality venues across the region.
“Working with those businesses and our local authorities has been a huge privilege and, whilst we have seen a significant recovery, there is much more to do. I am delighted to be handing over to Jamie, who has an amazing track record in the sector.”