Visit Inverness Loch Ness appoints two new co-chairs for “collaborative leadership approach”

TWO tourism leaders have been appointed as co-chairs of the Board for Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN) in a “new collaborative leadership approach”.

Director of Kingsmills Hotel Group, Tony Story, and sustainability director of Glen Mhor Hotel and Uile-Bheist Distillery and Brewery, Victoria Erasmus, were chosen to take on the roles.

This appointment follows a ballot that approved the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) for a further five years.

VLIN was first established in 2014, and became the UK’s first TBID.

CEO Don Johnstone said: “With Tony and Victoria on-board, with their extensive experience in the tourism and hospitality industries and passion for our destination, I am confident they will be a great asset to VILN and be instrumental in our vision to develop a world-class, sustainable visitor destination.”

The VILN Board currently has 12 director positions, which consists of 10 representatives from levy paying businesses, one councillor nominated by the Highland Council and one nominated director who is either an opt-in member or from a levy paying business.

The goal of VILN is to ensure the tourism destination will have a long-term future that vistors will value and return to.

Mr Story commented: “I am both flattered and honoured to be elected as co-chair with Victoria and look forward to a very productive relationship with both the Board and the team of VILN.

“Hospitality has had a very challenging time over the recent past and I look forward to the coming term of VILN to continue to promote our world class destination to the benefit of our members, particularly during the winter months when the challenges can be very harsh.”

Ms Erasmus added: “As a member of the original steering group that spearheaded VILN’s inaugural successful vote in 2014, I am thrilled to take on the role of co-chair and look forward to the next phase outlined in the five-year business plan.

“It is vital we continue to support our VILN community and remain committed to seizing new opportunities to showcase all that we offer as a region to prospective visitors.”