VHEY launches search for new board members to represent visitor economy

OPPORTUNITY: Chris Blacksell, chair of the Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) Advisory Board

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) is calling for passionate and experienced people from across the region’s visitor economy to join its influential advisory board.

Expressions of interest are now being invited from people working in or with sectors across the visitor economy, with VHEY keen to ensure the board reflects the full breadth of tourism and hospitality businesses and organisations across Hull and East Yorkshire.

The recruitment drive comes as Chris Blacksell has been reappointed as chair of the board, initially for a further two years with the potential for it to be extended to four.

VHEY has around 1,800 members and the board plays a key role in ensuring their views, experiences and priorities are represented as Hull and East Yorkshire continues to develop as a destination.

VHEY is particularly keen to hear from people who can bring strong knowledge of individual parts of the sector and act as a link between businesses and organisations in those areas and the board.

This could include representatives from accommodation, attractions, culture, events, food and drink, transport, entertainment and hospitality, as well as other businesses and organisations with strong links to the visitor economy.

Chris said: “We want to make sure we have people on the board who can represent every sector within our visitor economy and who are happy to be a voice for those areas.

“If, for example, we have someone representing hotels, we want other hotels across the region to know they can go to that person if there is an issue or view they would like raising at board level. Equally, we want the board to be able to feed information and ideas back into those sectors.

“It’s important all VHEY members feel represented. We want them to know who is representing their part of the visitor economy and for those board members to become a genuine conduit between their sector and VHEY.

“There is always a natural turnover of board members and that is healthy. Some people have moved away from the area, so this is an opportunity both to bring new people in and to make sure we have the right representation across the visitor economy.

“We’re looking for people who are passionate about Hull and East Yorkshire, understand the sector and are keen to get involved. We’re not necessarily looking for a set number of people – the important thing is finding the right people with the knowledge and enthusiasm to make a contribution.”

VHEY is the region’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), funded by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull City Council and supported by private businesses and organisations.

The VHEY Advisory Board brings together expertise from across the region to provide insight and advice on the issues, opportunities and challenges facing the visitor economy.

It supports the delivery and ongoing development of VHEY’s Destination Management Plan and provides an important link between VHEY and businesses and organisations operating across the region.

There may also be opportunities for smaller sub-committees to be established to focus on particular areas of the visitor economy or specific projects, depending on the expertise and interest of those who come forward.

REAPPOINTED: Chris Blacksell speaking at the VHEY Tourism Conference earlier this year

Membership of the board is voluntary and unpaid. The main board meets every two months, with members asked to attend at least four meetings a year.

Chris said he was delighted to have been reappointed as chair and remained determined to ensure the visitor economy has a strong voice when decisions affecting Hull and East Yorkshire are being made.

He said: “I’m genuinely passionate about this area and always have been, so it’s been really rewarding to work with such a positive group of people who share that ambition to promote Hull and East Yorkshire.

“One of the most important parts of the role for me is making sure VHEY and the visitor economy are in the minds of strategic decision-makers.

“It isn’t simply about raising the profile of the visitor economy for the sake of it. It’s about making sure the importance of the sector is understood by the people making key decisions about our area.

“I want VHEY members know there are people working collectively on their behalf. Bringing new voices and experience onto the board is an important part of achieving that.”

Councillor Nick Coultish, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “The visitor economy is hugely important to communities and businesses across East Yorkshire and it is vital that those working within it have a strong voice in helping to shape its future.

“The advisory board provides an important connection with the sector and we want its membership to reflect the breadth of businesses and organisations which contribute so much to our region.

“I’m delighted Chris will continue as chair and would encourage anyone with the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make a contribution to consider putting themselves forward.”

Councillor Jackie Dad, deputy leader of Hull City Council, said: “Our visitor economy is built on the huge range of businesses, organisations and people who make Hull and East Yorkshire such an attractive and distinctive place to visit.

“The advisory board gives those working across the sector an opportunity to share their ideas and experience and have a meaningful input into its future direction.

“Chris has brought real passion and commitment to his role as Chair and I’m very pleased he will continue to lead the board as we look to bring in new members and new perspectives.”

Anyone interested in joining the VHEY Advisory Board is asked to complete a short expression of interest form, outlining why they would like to become involved and providing their contact details.

Expressions of interest must be submitted by Monday, October 12, 2026.

• To submit an expression of interest, visit https://visithulleastyorkshire.formstack.com/forms/vhey_board_expression_of_interest.

• For further information about the Advisory Board or the expression of interest process, email advisoryboard@vhey.co.uk.