APPENDIX 36
Letter from Mr Gerald Milsom, Director
of Milsom Hotels
RE: APPOINTMENT OF THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE
BTA 2003
I wish to introduce myself by giving some credentials
which you may feel qualifies me to have a view about the above
appointment.
I enclose a magazine which in some way demonstrates
the progress of my company over the past 50 years here in South
Anglia, and saves me in indulging in self praise. (not printed)
In addition to this, I was the founder chairman
of the East Anglia Tourist Board, a position I held for 11 years
a board member of the British Hotels and Restaurant Association
and subsequently its chairman. I founded the Pride of Britain
Consortium of Country House Hotels, was chairman for many years
and am now the President.
From this you will see I have a life-time immersed
in tourism at all levels.
I believe tourism as the Government has also
now recognised is vital to our economy. Successive governments
have always been slow to recognise this and it has taken a succession
of disasters to get the message through.
Unlike many activities of government Great Britain
Ltd as a tourist destination, is a business in which government
is a major shareholder.
I invite the committee to ask the question—What
will the financial benefit be if a further million visitors take
a holiday in Britain?
The value of:
This is taking no account of increased employment
levels which are directly related to volume.
I suggest the figure will astound the committee
when they consider the total income government receives from the
tourist sector.
There is no doubt, being a shareholder in a
company, which produces such a magnificent return, and having
the responsibility of appointing the Chairman, it is plain we
need you to find a champion of outstanding ability and charisma.
Tourism being all things to all people, a charismatic
character of great ability is required. In my submission this
has only been met once and then by Sir Alexander Glen. It is not
a part time job for two days a week, the stakes are too high.
The Chairman's presence must be felt in all corners of the world
and also seen to be a champion by the industry itself.
The issues are clear and we look to your Committee
to make an inspired choice.
28 October 2002
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