Destination Coventry Partners and the Chair of the Board
Destination Coventry is looking for 6x experienced and passionate individuals to join as Voluntary Board Directors -- a rare and exciting opportunity to shape the future of Coventry's visitor and business tourism sector.
This role offers the chance to be at the heart of driving the city's long-term growth, helping to position Coventry & Warwickshire as a leading UK destination for tourism, business events, culture, and investment.
As a Voluntary Board Director, you will provide essential strategic guidance, governance oversight, and key sector expertise to support the delivery of Coventry's ambitious vision. Working closely with Destination Coventry, Shakespeare's England, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, and other key stakeholders, you'll have the opportunity to champion the region's unique appeal nationally and internationally, raising its profile and economic impact.
We are seeking six dedicated individuals with proven expertise and credibility in the following sectors:
Hotel Sector
Transport Sector
Arts & Culture Sector
Academic Sector
Night Life Sector
Sports Sector
In this role, you will be instrumental in shaping strategic priorities, enhancing the overall visitor offer, and representing Destination Coventry across key regional and national forums. Your voice will help influence decisions that support Coventry's position as a vibrant destination and thriving economic hub.
This voluntary position requires a commitment of up to two days per month, including attendance at quarterly board meetings, important regional and national events, and the organisation's Annual General Meeting. Travel and related expenses will be reimbursed at the discretion of the Board.
If you are ready to bring your expertise, leadership, and passion to help shape Coventry's visitor economy and raise the city's profile on the national and international stage, we want to hear from you!
Applications & Interest:
If you have any further questions about these roles, or would like to find out more information, please contact Paul Michael, Chair of Destination Coventry Board and the Strategic Managing Director of Coventry Building Society Arena, via email at paul.michael@cbsarena.co.uk
Application Closing Date:
Friday 13th June 2025
What we are looking for:
This role offers an exciting opportunity for an individual who is passionate about the Visitor Economy and is committed to driving the continued growth of Coventry's visitor and business tourism sector. Working with Destination Coventry, Shakespeare's England, and key stakeholders across the region and beyond, the successful candidate will play a vital role in shaping and supporting the success of the local tourism industry.
We're seeking a strategic and forward-thinking individual who can help raise the profile and quality of Coventry's visitor offer, support the delivery of a sustainable tourism approach, and contribute to positioning Coventry and the surrounding region as an attractive place to live, work, visit, and invest in.
The successful candidate will play a key role in driving both the recovery and long-term growth of the sector. We're looking for someone with strong leadership experience either in business, or in government and sound knowledge of the private, public sector and/or the not-for-profit sector.
Destination Coventry is seeking six Voluntary Board Directors with proven expertise and credibility in the following sectors:
Hotel Sector
Transport Sector
Arts & Culture Sector
Academic Sector
Night Life Sector
Sports Sector
About Destination Coventry:
Destination Coventry is the official Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for Coventry, tasked with destination management and marketing for the city, promoting the area both nationally and internationally, to grow and support the visitor economy.
Destination Coventry operates through two consumer-facing brands; Visit Coventry targets our day and overnight leisure visitors, and Conference Coventry & Warwickshire, incorporating the region's Convention Bureau, works to attract business travellers, conferences, exhibitions and all other business events.
We represent the city's valuable tourism, leisure and hospitality sector, which generates over 855 million impact to the economy, supports circa 8000 jobs, and attracts over 11.39 million visitors annually. Destination Coventry operates within a collaboration agreement between the Coventry City Council and the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
Core Role and Responsibilities:
The principal role of the Destination Coventry Board Director is to provide strategic guidance, sector expertise, and governance oversight to help support the growth and development of Coventry's Visitor economy.
As a Board Director at Destination Coventry, you will play a key leadership role in helping to shape and maintain the organisation' s vision, ensuring that it delivers against its objectives, and championing the city and region as a thriving destination for tourism, business events, and cultural engagement.
Support the Board Chair and wider Destination Coventry Board, ensuring the highest standards of governance are applied to managing the performance of Destination Coventry's activities and representing the interests of its Partners.
Leadership & Governance:
Provide strategic direction to Destination Coventry to facilitate growth and development.
Be fully conversant with the Destination Coventry's commercial plans and priorities.
Exercise authority as a member of the Board, driving Destination Coventry's strategic development and achievement of corporate aims, mission, objectives, policy and professional values.
Ensure the organisation adheres to its bylaws and governance policies.
Long Term Strategy:
Support Coventry's growth as a leading UK destination, shaping a long-term vision to strengthen its national & international profile.
Maximise the impact of major events and sport across Coventry & Warwickshire, boosting visitor numbers to create lasting economic benefit.
Promote and improve Coventry's overall visitor offers, including hotel accommodation, sporting events and culture, to enhance Coventry's appeal as a vibrant visitor destination.
Representation & Advocacy:
To take on an ambassadorial role of Destination Coventry at regional and national events, conferences and meetings, serving as a voice for the business and tourism community.
Actively promote the organisations vision, mission and strategic priorities, representing the interests of Coventry's visitor and tourism economy.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including local and national government bodies in addition to other DMO's.
Advocate for the interests of Destination Coventry's partners by accurately representing their collective views on key issues affecting the sector, ensuring fair, informed, and balanced representation.
Engage with appropriate activities to attract sponsorships and partnerships for Destination Coventry.
Evaluation & Accountability:
Monitor and evaluate the performance of the Destination Coventry's management team. Regularly reviewing progress against strategic goals, business plans and overall objectives.
Uphold high standards of accountability by promoting openness in board processes, decision-making, and reporting practices.
To challenge the decisions of the Destination Coventry Team in a constructive and timely manner and provide balance, support and perspective when necessary.
Ensure all organisational activities have transparency and accountability, benefiting the overall aims of Destination Coventry and its Partners.
Providing overall support to the Chair and the wider Board.
Recognise that financial responsibility and accountability for Destination Coventry sit with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
Skills & Expertise:
Strong knowledge and in-depth understanding of the tourism and visitor economy with an understanding of regional and national trends impacting this sector.
Proven leadership experience in tourism, hospitality or related industries.
Ability to focus on strategic issues and drive Destination Coventry forward.
Strong interpersonal and presentation skills.
Ability to convey complex issues clearly to varied audiences and influence effectively at all levels.
Proven ability to contribute to high-level decision making.
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Previous board or governance experience is highly desirable.
Commitments Required:
Time requirement and commitment of this role is up to 2 days per month.
Mandatory attendance at Board Meetings throughout the year up to 4 Annually, 1x per Quarter.
Attendance at regional and national events, conferences and meetings as and when required as an ambassador for Destination Coventry.
Attend Destination Coventry's Annual General Meeting.
Service to the Destination Coventry Board is fully voluntary, travel and expenses costs in relation to the Board Member's duties will be reimbursed at the discretion of the Board.