Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN) has appointed two new co-chairs to its Board.
Tony Story, Director of Kingsmills Hotel Group, and Victoria Erasmus, Sustainability Director of Glen Mhor Hotel and Uile-Bheist Distillery and Brewery, will take the role of co-chairs of the Board.
Their appointment follows a successful ballot approving the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) for a further five years.
“We are delighted to welcome Tony and Victoria as co-chairs of the Board of Visit Inverness Loch Ness in a new collaborative leadership approach,” commented Don Johnstone, CEO of VILN.
Visit Inverness Loch Ness was the UK’s first Tourism BID when it was established in 2014.
The Board has 12 director positions, consisting of 10 representatives of levy paying business, one councillor nominated by The Highland Council and one nominated director from either a levy paying business or an opt-in member.
Developed to ensure the long-term future of a viable, responsible and attractive tourism destination that visitors will value and return to, VILN is now looking to deliver its 2024-2029 business plan with the fresh input of Tony and Victoria, alongside current Board members.
Commenting on his appointment, Tony Story said:
“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.”
Victoria 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.
“Despite facing significant industry challenges over the past four years, 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.”
Don Johnstone continues:
“The Visit Inverness Loch Ness team and Board have achieved some incredible things for our destination, our visitors and our members, and we are all determined to continue this growth going forward.
“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.”
