VisitEngland Appoints Richard Morsley and Rachel Walter to Advisory Board, Shaping the Future of Sustainable Tourism and Heritage in England

The VisitEngland Advisory Board has appointed two highly experienced leaders to serve five-year terms, beginning on 6 March 2026. Richard Morsley and Rachel Walter bring their deep knowledge in heritage preservation, tourism, and commercial strategy to strengthen the board’s capacity to tackle current challenges and future opportunities in England’s tourism sector.

Richard Morsley: A Leader in Heritage and Community Development

Richard Morsley, the Chief Executive of the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, is one of the new appointments to the board. With a career spanning over 15 years, Richard has held senior leadership roles across heritage, culture, education, and local government. His innovative approach to heritage stewardship, combining strategic, commercial, and place-based tactics, has earned him recognition as a key figure in the field of historical site preservation and revitalisation.

At the helm of the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Richard leads a dedicated preservation charity focused on the stewardship of the Historic Dockyard Chatham. This role has provided him with substantial experience in board-level governance, managing large public and charitable projects, and collaborating with local authorities, destination management organisations, and national funding bodies. Richard’s influence extends beyond Chatham, as he has been involved in numerous partnerships designed to drive regeneration and make a positive, lasting impact on local communities.

An advocate for heritage-led regeneration, Richard has seen firsthand how investment in historical sites can significantly boost local economies, enhance skills, and foster a deep sense of pride within communities. His leadership extends to several advisory boards, including the Creative Estuary Advisory Board and the Medway Place Board, and he is also a Kent Ambassador. Richard’s extensive background in governance and his strong belief in the power of heritage-driven economic regeneration make him a valuable addition to the VisitEngland Advisory Board.

Rachel Walter: An Experienced Leader in Tourism and Visitor Economy Growth

The second new appointment to the VisitEngland Advisory Board is Rachel Walter, a senior tourism leader with over 20 years of experience in destination development, heritage tourism, and the visitor economy. Rachel currently leads the Holidays business for the National Trust, managing a nationally significant portfolio that generates over £23 million in annual revenue. Her responsibilities include overseeing 400 holiday cottages, 18 campsites, and managing a workforce of 600, in addition to overseeing major partnerships related to film and location activities.

Rachel’s extensive experience in heritage tourism and destination development has shaped her leadership style, which integrates commercial strategy with a strong commitment to sustainable growth. Her strategic approach to the visitor economy has delivered sustained success, including multiple award-winning projects and significant investments in transforming visitor experiences. Throughout her career, Rachel has been instrumental in driving growth in national and regional tourism operations, while improving offerings for both visitors and the local communities they engage with.

Before joining the National Trust, Rachel held leadership roles at The Alnwick Garden and worked across the South West of England. She played a pivotal role in regional regeneration, supporting long-term destination development and promoting sustainability. Rachel has also served as a Non-Executive Director for Visit Bath and as a Trustee for Bath Preservation Trust, where she contributed to strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening tourism in the area.

A Commitment to Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism

Both Richard and Rachel share a strong commitment to the sustainable development of tourism in England. Rachel’s work with the National Trust, focusing on sustainable development, aligns with VisitEngland’s mission to improve the quality of tourism while mitigating its environmental impact. Similarly, Richard’s advocacy for heritage-led regeneration ensures that investments in historical sites not only preserve cultural heritage but also provide long-term benefits for local communities, creating a model for socially and economically sustainable tourism.

Their appointments signal a continued focus on ensuring that England’s tourism sector remains vibrant and impactful, balancing commercial success with community benefits and environmental responsibility. As members of the VisitEngland Advisory Board, Richard and Rachel will contribute their expertise to develop strategies that support the growth of sustainable, high-quality tourism across the country.

Acknowledging Outgoing Members

The announcement also paid tribute to outgoing advisory board members Fiona Pollard and Allan Lambert. Their dedication and valuable contributions during their tenures have been instrumental in shaping VisitEngland’s strategic direction and the growth of the country’s tourism industry. Their efforts have left a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit the sector.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Tourism in England

With Richard Morsley and Rachel Walter joining the VisitEngland Advisory Board, the tourism sector is set to benefit from their extensive experience in heritage, tourism, and commercial leadership. Their appointments mark a new chapter for VisitEngland as it continues to work toward fostering sustainable tourism and addressing the challenges facing the sector.

As they take up their new roles, Richard and Rachel will bring fresh perspectives to the board, with a particular focus on regeneration, sustainable growth, and inclusive tourism. Their leadership will play a key role in guiding VisitEngland as it continues to strengthen England’s tourism offering, ensuring the country remains a top destination for visitors from around the world.

Their combined expertise will help shape the future of tourism in England, ensuring that it remains a vital and dynamic sector that benefits local communities, fosters cultural pride, and supports sustainable development for years to come.

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