Businessman lands top job with tourism body

Nick Cust, who boasts 25 years senior commercial business management experience, will play a vital role in developing a tourism strategy for Visit York, while boosting the city’s visitor economy.

His appointment follows the retirement of John Yeomans who held the post of chairman for four years and helped the city land several accolades, including European city of the year and Britain’s most beautiful city.

Tourism in York is worth £443m a year and represents world class visitor attractions, a growing cultural and festival scene, as well as continually developing accommodation, retail, and hospitality facilities enjoyed by seven million visitors a year.

Mr Cust, who is currently the executive chairman of the York-based Amber Travel Partnership, said: “My ambition for York is to build on the world class reputation of the city, ensuring we deliver the highest levels of customer care and all importantly a quality visitor experience, whilst taking York to new markets across the globe.”

Mr Cust has held board positions with Superbreak and Holidaybreak plc since 1997 and at the Visit England Board since 2002. He was awarded an OBE for services to tourism in January 2009.

Gillian Cruddas chief executive of Visit York, said: “Nick’s experience in financial management, marketing, communications and strategic business planning will be key assets.”