Ian Thomas MBE

Ian Thomas has dedicated more than two decades to the tourism industry, having studied Tourism Operations and Management at university before beginning his career at the Northumbria Tourist Board. Spells at regional development agency One North East and more than a decade at Experience North East England (formerly NGI) have seen Ian make a profound impact on the visitor economy, as a leading researcher and tourism development professional. Ian sits on the VisitEngland Research Advisory Group, Core Cities Group and is a Trustee for Beamish Museum.

Ian helped lead the North East’s bid to become the pilot Destination Development Partnership scheme which has overseen Experience North East England work on behalf of the region alongside Visit Northumberland and Visit County Durham to develop the North East as a must-visit destination whilst attracting private investment and driving growth. Having been awarded an MBE for his services to tourism, he is dedicated to unlocking growth and has played a huge role in raising awareness of the value of the visitor economy in the North East of England.