City businesswoman Jo De Sylva named new head of Highland tourism group
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Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN) has appointed local entrepreneur Jo De Sylva as its new chairwoman to help lead the tourism sector's post-Covid comeback.
Ms De Sylva of Bogbain Farm and MacGregors Bar in Inverness, succeeds Inverness Airport general manager who has stepped down after three years as chairman of Scotland's first Tourism Business Improvement District (BID), but will remain a VILN board member. Marina Huggett of Achnagairn Estate remains vice-chairwoman.
VILN chief executive Michael Golding said: “It has been a great pleasure to work with Graeme Bell as chair since he and the board appointed me as CEO. His experience and inspirational leadership led the organisation through many high points, including successfully renewing the organisation for a further five years at ballot in 2019. I look forward to continuing to work with Graeme as a director.
“Jo's unique experience, skills and commitment will play a pivotal role in ensuring the organisation continues to maintain strong leadership and effective representation of its diverse membership.
"I have absolute belief that in Jo we have the right person for this high-profile role in Scottish tourism and look forward to working closely with her in the years ahead.”
Ms De Sylva has been a board member since 2019, bringing not only extensive tourism expertise from her award-winning businesses, but her experience of a professional background in media as a former BBC producer and presenter.
She said: “I’m delighted to have been chosen as chair of Visit Inverness Loch Ness.
"These next few years are going to be so important for our industry and it’s great to be part of a team that truly understands the needs of this area, but most importantly its massive potential.
"I’m really excited to explore the possibilities for Inverness and Loch Ness. We have a unique product and it’s our job to make sure everyone in the world knows about it, is excited about it and that we are ready to deal with those expectations. I want us to become world leaders and I truly believe we have the raw ingredients to achieve this. It’s the job of our team to ensure this is the case."
Former chairman Graeme Bell commented: “It has been a great pleasure to be chair of Visit Inverness Loch Ness for three successful years. I am delighted that the Board has now appointed Jo De Sylva as chair of Visit Inverness Loch Ness.
"Jo has been a consistently high performing director throughout her time on the board and I have complete confidence that in Jo we have the right person to lead the organisation and our world-renowned destination for the coming years.”
Chris Taylor, VisitScotland's regional leadership director for the Highlands and Outer Hebrides, congratulated Ms De Sylva on her appointment.
“Collaboration with our industry partners is vital in helping to support the sector during the pandemic," he continued.
"VisitScotland and Visit Inverness Loch Ness have already achieved a lot through working together, helping build the profile of the area on the world stage.
"We look forward to building on that, working with Jo and the team in the years ahead to help realise the full potential of the area as a leading sustainable tourism destination."
