Bob Cotton named chair of London Business Tourism Group

British Hospitality Association chief executive Bob Cotton has been named chair of the London Business Tourism Group by the Mayor of London's office.​

Cotton, who stands down as chief executive of the BHA this year, will take up his new position with immediate effect to help develop the group, established in September 2009 with the aim of supporting and promoting business tourism in the capital.

Boris Johnson's director of marketing Daniel Ritterband, in charge of developing the LBTG, said with his previous experience Cotton's appointment would strengthen the group and help build the profile of business tourism in the capital.

"Attracting conferences, congresses and all forms of business tourism is incredibly important for the London economy and the Mayor is keen that everything is done to strengthen the capital's offer as the world's greatest business destination.

Group plans​

London's hotels in particular were hit hard by a drop in business travel last year. Many companies cut back on business travel budgets and cancelled conferences and events unless necessary.

At its second meeting this week the LBTG discussed plans to introduce a city-wide communications programme to strengthen links between event organisers and London suppliers, such as TfL and looked at ways the city could improve its welcome for business visitors, especially those attending conventions.

Tracy Halliwell, director of business tourism at Visit London, said: "The second meeting of the LBTG was particularly successful as we were able to introduce the new chair to the group and also agree a number of objectives for 2010. Visit London is determined that this group is one which makes real and valuable changes to London's business tourism offer."

Cotton will leave the BHA this year after 10 years as chief executive. He has also worked as advisor at the DCMS and spent more than 20 years with hospitality company Trusthouse Forte.