A high-profile business and tourism executive has been chosen to head up a group of industry leaders in the capital. Gordon Dewar, managing director of BAA Edinburgh Airport, has been appointed as chairman of the Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG), after a year as vice-chair. He fills the role previously held by Barbara Smith, executive manager at Edinburgh Castle.

As well as his day-to-day responsibilities at Edinburgh Airport, Gordon also sits on the advisory board of Scottish Enterprise East and is a board member of the Edinburgh Convention Bureau. Robin Worsnop, managing director of the multi-award winning tour company Rabbie’s Trail Burners and chairman of the Tourism Innovation Group, replaces Gordon as vice-chair.

New ETAG chairman Gordon Dewar says: “Continuing changes in the global economic environment mean that we have to take the lead and swiftly identify the local actions necessary to address impacts on our customers. The visitor economy has the potential to have a real influence on the wider economy, driving the upturn as we emerge out of the current recession.

“The strength of the collaborative partnership that currently exists within ETAG and the determination of those involved to continue to develop our offering is particularly encouraging. Edinburgh holds a position of strength in a number of key areas and we need to ensure we continue to consolidate these while making improvements elsewhere. Across the industry, it’s crucial that we remain focused on our customers and are responsive to their needs. The visitor experience must exceed expectations.”

One his first tasks will be to address the group’s annual conference at the University of Edinburgh on 27 January. Open to all tourism-related businesses, this year’s summit focuses on creating successful partnerships, and will also discuss forthcoming opportunities for Edinburgh’s tourism sector, including the refurbishment of the National Museum and National Portrait Gallery, the creation of a new grandstand for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the completion of the trams. Possibilities presented by major sporting events such as 2012 Olympic Games and the 2014 Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games will also be considered.

Kenneth Wardrop, chief executive of Destination Edinburgh Marketing Alliance (DEMA), welcomes the appointments: “Gordon and Robin bring new ideas and energy to what is already an innovative partnership between the public and private sectors. As a key partner in city promotion, DEMA plays a central role in ETAG. We look forward to working closely with the group’s new leadership team to identify and pursue opportunities to stimulate visitor growth, and to ensure we continue to promote the diverse product that is on offer here in our world-famous destination.”

Graham Birse, deputy chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, comments: “ETAG’S partners are committed to driving forward the region’s visitor offering, and Gordon’s experience in this area speaks for itself. The knowledge and impetus he brings to the table are vital in ensuring that ETAG continues to play a leading role in the development of tourism in the capital, and with his leadership and guidance I’m confident tourism can play an even more important role in Edinburgh and Scotland’s recovery from recession.”

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