New chair appointed at Solihull Tourism Forum

Nicola Corfield has been appointed as the new chair of the Solihull Tourism Forum in succession of former chair, Robert Elliot.

Nicola (pictured) brings with her 19 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with previous roles as director of Sales for Birmingham Airport 's Holiday Inn, the InterContinental Hotels Group and the Crowne Plaza hotel at the NEC.

She takes her new position as chair alongside her role as sales manager at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Solihull, delivering a range of outstanding events and accommodation experiences in promotion of the hotel at the heart of Solihull centre.

It will now be her role to assist in the promotion of activities across the region as the hospitality industry attempts to bounce back post-lockdown.

Commenting on her new appointment, Nicola said: “After many years of attending the Solihull Tourism Forum meetings, sitting back and letting others chair, I thought it may be time for me to help out a little. I am therefore delighted to say that I will be taking over as the new Chair of the Solihull Tourism Forum.

"To say that our industry and indeed our region has been hard hit by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic would be an understatement. During my many years as a hotelier I have never seen our industry so hard hit, with most (if not all) of our businesses closing temporarily and some even permanently. Our industry, however is renowned for its determination and resilience and I believe that will be demonstrated by our recovery. ”

Solihull Council have already begun creating a new visitor economy strategy for the borough, in line with regional plans and partners including the WM Growth Company and LEP.

The tourism forum now look forward to events such as Coventry City of Culture 2021, Commonwealth Games 2022 and the largely anticipated return of Solihull Summerfest 2021 that will welcome visitors back to the town centre.

Nicola concluded: “It has always been the aim of the Solihull Tourism Forum that as members we embrace, promote and take advantage of everything happening in our region to ensure that we all benefit. That has never been more crucial and as the new chair I look forward to supporting our forum members to achieve this. ”