UFI IBRAHIM TO SUCCEED BOB COTTON AT BHA

Ufi Ibrahim, chief operations officer of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), has been named to succeed Bob Cotton as chief executive of the British Hospitality Association.

At the London-based WTTC she works with governments and industry across the world, advising on policymaking and the development of planning frameworks for the long-term success of travel and tourism.

Described as a keen promoter of public and private sector dialogue, she has been instrumental in the establishment of the Global Travel & Tourism Summit - the annual meeting of world leaders to discuss and agree key priorities for the industry.

Prior to joining WTTC in 2000, Ibrahim was in charge of the American Express Global Passport and Visa Unit for five years.

She studied at the London Metropolitan University, graduating with a BA in Leisure and Tourism Management, and has recently graduated with distinction in her MBA from the Open University.

Ibrahim said she was delighted to be appointed: "Hospitality is a key pillar of Britain's economy, particularly in the long-term. The half a million people collectively employed by BHA members represent not only the best of British hospitality and tourism but also the best of British industry.

"I cherish the responsibility to ensure the alignment of public and commercial policy to ensure British hospitality's sustainable success in what is now a highly competitive international tourism industry. I look forward to working with BHA members and UK tourism organisations - and the government - to advance hospitality's role as a generator of employment and prosperity across the United Kingdom".

Sir David Michels, president of the BHA, said that the association, as a result of Bob Cotton's 10 years as chief executive, was very highly regarded.

"Bob Cotton has done a fantastic job in 10 years but challenges, of course, remain and new challenges emerge and we move on.

"Ufi Ibrahim will be able to lead the BHA forward at a key time for both UK tourism and the hospitality industry as the country slowly emerges out of recession".

Dudley Osborn, chairman of the BHA's National Executive, said that Ibrahim's experience and knowledge of domestic and international tourism would greatly benefit the British hospitality industry.

"Under her positive leadership, we will campaign with added vigour for the UK Government to take tourism more seriously than it does at present," he said.

"This remains one of the BHA's key aims and Ms Ibrahim's appointment emphasises the importance we attach to developing more strategic government support for UK tourism under the new government."

Words: David Foad

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