• Swindon & Wiltshire Appointments
• Monday September 22 2025

Visit West appoints arena boss as chairman

The CEO of the new YTL Arena Bristol has been appointed chairman of Visit West.

The announcement came as the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority took joint ownership of the Local Visitor Economy Partnership along with Business West.

Established in 1999, Visit West is recognised as one of the UK’s leading organisations supporting the visitor economy as one of the first accredited LVEPs in 2023.

As a public-private partnership operating on a not-for-profit basis, Visit West’s work is key in the continued development, support and promotion of the visitor experience across the region bringing together a diverse range of businesses.

It provides comprehensive programmes across both its Visit Bristol and Visit Bath channels and works extensively with the leisure trade and business events industry.

“I am honoured to serve as chair of Visit West and to champion the West of England’s vibrant tourism industry,” said Andrew.

“Our region boasts incredible diversity from the stunning coastline and rural heritage to dynamic urban centres and flagship attractions.

“Visit West plays an essential role in bringing together public and private sectors to drive growth.

“I’m committed to building on the organisation’s success and ensuring our communities thrive through sustainable tourism.

“Tourism is worth £2.5 billion to the local economy, supporting more than 45,000 jobs.”

Kathryn Davis, chief executive of Visit West, said: “Andrew’s appointment brings invaluable leadership to Visit West.

“His extensive experience in major events and venue management, alongside his deep-rooted commitment to the region, aligns perfectly with our mission. Under his stewardship, we will work collaboratively to enhance visitor experiences, support local businesses, and drive economic impact while championing sustainability and inclusivity.”

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “The West is the place to be. Those of us who are lucky enough to be from here know that – and so do all those coming to visit.

“Whether it’s the Jane Austen Festival, the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the Greatest Dog Show on Earth, or the upcoming Weston-super-Mare Carnival, as ever, there is so much going on in our part of the world.

“It’s fitting that this milestone for Visit West comes in the week we are set to launch our new regional Growth Strategy. The combined authority has a key role in backing economic growth, so it’s right that we’re now invested in supporting such an important sector.”

Pictured: Andrew Billingham, Helen Godwin and Kathryn Davis. Image courtesy of Visit West