The CEO of trade association UKinbound, Mary Rance, has announced her departure from the organisation at the end of the year in order to head up charity Contact the Elderly.

Rance has been at UKinbound since 2008 and is widely recognised for helping the association to grow into one of the leading trade bodies in tourism.

“Naturally I am sad to be leaving UKinbound but glad to be leaving the organisation in such good shape,” said Rance.

“When I joined the organisation I developed an ambitious growth strategy, a plan to double the membership, increase our influence and enhance the business benefits for our membership, all of which have been achieved or on track.”

The organistation is now looking for Rance’s successor, with UKinbound’s chair Rita Beckwith stating the importance of finding a new chief executive capable of continuing to raise the body’s profile.

“The successful applicant will act as the main adviser to the Board on all matter of association policy and will lead the association on a day-to-day basis. Inbound tourism is now one of the largest industries in the UK,” said Beckwith.

“It employs 2.7 million people, one in eleven of all people employed in the UK and generates £136bn in revenue for the economy. It is crucial that our new chief executive continues to raise the profile of inbound tourism in the UK; generating positive awareness across the media, political and other key influencing groups.”

UKinbound represents the interests of the UK’s inbound tourism sector and works with accommodation providers, inbound tour operators and other attractions and tourism service providers. More information on UKinbound is available here