Our history

2019 marked the 50th anniversary of the Development of Tourism Act 1969 which paved the way for the establishment of the British Tourist Authority (BTA) and the English Tourist Board, now known as VisitBritain/VisitEngland. Since our inception, we have been successfully helping to boost the growth of both inbound and domestic tourism through our wide range of activities including marketing and PR campaigns, partnership working with industry and key players, and acting as advisor to Government.

Pre-COVID 19, tourism was one of the UK’s most valuable export industries and growing faster than many other sectors. Worth £127 billion to the economy overall, the UK’s tourism’s industry, worth 9% of GDP and supporting 10% of all jobs, is full of innovators, an industry which spans the country and where small changes have a big impact on our economy. Tourism needs no trade deals and can attract large inbound investment from around the world.

Our ever-evolving organisation has been continually honing our focus and activities to meet the needs and challenges of the day.

Celebrating 50 Years 1969-2019

2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Development of Tourism Act 1969 which paved the way for the establishment of the British Tourist Authority (BTA) and the English Tourist Board, now known as VisitBritain/VisitEngland

Timeline - 1969 to 1979

A collage of vintage marketing materials from the 1970s showing VisitBritain's activities and campaigns.

Read our key activities and achievements for 1969-1979

Escape the Everyday DMO Marketing Fund 2022

Check if you're eligible and apply for the Escape the Everyday Destination Management Organisations’ Recovery Marketing Fund. The Fund provides the opportunity for DMOs to apply for grant funding to deliver local marketing activities aligned to the national campaign.