Samantha Richardson appointed Director

Samantha Richardson appointed Director

The National Coastal Tourism Academy has named Samantha Richardson as its new director.

A high-flyer, Samantha has a wealth of experience in the tourism industry, most recently as Business Development Manager for Shore Operations at Carnival UK, the world’s largest cruise line operator, where she oversaw a £19 million terminal for the Port of Southampton.

Before this she was responsible for boosting business at P&O Cruises’ shore excursion operation. She has also worked for Salisbury Cathedral, Thomas Cook and in the marketing department at Visit Britain’s Chicago office.

She gained an MSc in Tourism Management from Sheffield Hallam University and graduated from Bournemouth University with a first class degree in Tourism Studies.

With first-hand experience of a range of tourist organisation from small businesses to global corporations, Samantha is well-placed to lead the National Coastal Tourism Academy (NCTA) in its remit to create new jobs and develop a model for successful coastal tourism across the UK.

“The opportunity to be part of the Academy was too good a chance to miss,” said Samantha. “It’s very rare to be able to be part of a start-up that has the potential to create a step-change in the future of coastal tourism. Uniquely, the NCTA is a partnership between the three major tourism players in the town – Bournemouth Council, Bournemouth University and the local tourism industry, working together will be key to delivering our objectives.

“Our remit is ambitious, but with robust research from the University working in partnership with the different tourism sectors, we’ll hit the ground running. I’m passionate about tourism, it’s the very life-blood of the local economy, so I’m enormously excited about this new challenge.”

Samantha will be directing a team split between Bournemouth Council’s Town Hall and Bournemouth University.

The NCTA’s board is chaired by Mike Francis MBE, President of the Bournemouth Tourism Management Board, who commented: “We’re thrilled to have appointed someone of the calibre of Sam. She brings with her solid industry experience and real vision for tourism growth and sustainability.

“She has an in-depth understanding of the issues facing small, family-run businesses as well as large nationals, while her academic credentials equip her with the resources to deliver the Academy’s objectives – to generate growth and stimulate employment.”