The Department of Economic Development has announced the appointment of Robin Bischert to the role of Director of Tourism and the Visitor Economy. His three year fixed term appointment is effective from 1 October 2014.
Robin brings a wealth of experience to the role. Most recently he acted as Interim Chief Executive Royal Greenwich Destination Management Company where he created and established the company and oversaw the destinations marketing and visitor service activities during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Previous to that he enjoyed seven successful years the Chief Executive of Bath Tourism Plus Limited, a public and private sector partnership, leading it to become one of the most commercially successful and nationally respected Destination Management Organisations in the UK.
In addition, he has broad strategic and operational leadership experience in the leisure and sport sectors, gained as a Management Consultant with Ernst & Young and PricewaterhouseCoopers, based in the UK and Middle East; and in Senior Management roles with, for example, Wembley Stadium Group and Parkwood Leisure Limited.
David Cretney MHK, the Department of Economic Development's Political Member with responsibility for Tourism said:
'I am delighted that in Robin Bischert we have secured the services of such a highly respected and experienced individual.
'The Visitor Economy is a vital sector for the Isle of Man as it supports thousands of local jobs and provides the infrastructure for our tourism, hospitality, retail and leisure services.
'As highlighted in Government's Vision2020 strategy, a strong Visitor Economy also supports creation of our lifestyle advantages and good transport links which are important for all our business sectors.'
Robin said:
'I have spent the last few weeks meeting with key industry stakeholders to understand the main issues they face and I'm looking forward to working closely with these public and private sector partners in developing the Isle of Man's true potential as a unique and distinctive visitor destination'.
