Commenting on the news that the national tourism agency, VisitBritain/VisitEngland will establish its future headquarters in Birmingham, Neil Rami, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Growth Company – the region’s investment promotion and destination management agency – said:
"The West Midlands Growth Company led a decisive bid that showcased the West Midlands’ irrefutable strengths as a growing and successful headquarter economy.
"VisitBritain/VisitEngland’s decision to establish its new office in Birmingham is testament to the well-evidenced talent pool, transport connectivity and business support infrastructure we have in place to enable important and far-reaching organisations to thrive.
"The move represents a positive step forward in decentralising the UK’s public sector, and will stimulate local employment opportunities, helping to grow the region’s mature portfolio of civil service and public sector expertise.
"The move also underscores the significance of the West Midlands’ vital contribution to the visitor economy and our ability to meaningfully shape policy in this space. Last year, the West Midlands saw a record 141.2m visitors and delivered the most successful Commonwealth Games in history. Supporting its economic legacy was a trailblazing Business and Tourism Programme (BATP) that brought together regional authorities, government departments and VisitBritain/VisitEngland to create a blueprint for success.
"Building on this track record, we are primed to strengthen our close partnership with VisitBritain/VisitEngland; exemplified by the West Midlands’ Local Visitor Economy Partnerships and ongoing commitment to position the region as one of the UK’s Destination Development Partnerships.
"We look forward to our continued, productive partnership with VisitBritain/VisitEngland and making its Birmingham headquarters a roaring success."