VisitEngland strengthens its leadership as Richard Morsley and Rachel Walter take on advisory roles to support sustainable tourism growth in England

England’s tourism and heritage sectors are gaining fresh leadership as Richard Morsley and Rachel Walter join the VisitEngland Advisory Board.

Both appointments, which begin on 6 March 2026 and run until 5 March 2031, mark a significant step in ensuring that the country’s visitor economy continues to grow in innovative, sustainable, and inclusive ways.

The appointments reflect the government’s commitment to drawing on leaders with strong commercial acumen, governance experience, and a passion for preserving England’s cultural and natural heritage.

Richard Morsley: Driving Heritage-Led Regeneration

Richard Morsley serves as Chief Executive of the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, the UK’s most complete dockyard from the age of sail.

His role combines oversight of a nationally significant museum and visitor attraction with commercial, residential, educational, hospitality, events, and screen production operations.

With over fifteen years of experience across heritage, cultural, education, and local government sectors, Richard is recognized for his strategic and place-based approach to heritage stewardship.

Under his leadership, the Historic Dockyard has become a major driver of economic growth in Medway and the South East, achieving long-term financial sustainability through a diversified and entrepreneurial business model.

Richard’s experience also includes board-level governance, large-scale project delivery, and partnership work with local authorities, destination management organizations, and national funders.

He is actively involved in regional development initiatives as a member of the Creative Estuary Advisory Board, the Medway Place Board, and serves as a Kent Ambassador.

Before leading the Dockyard, he held senior positions at Betteshanger Park and Turner Contemporary.

Suggested Readings (News continues below)

Gunman Storms Patong Prathan Kiriwat School in Hat Yai and Holds Hundreds of Students and Staff Hostage Before Police Detain Him

Trump Administration Disables Mexican Cartel Drone After Airspace Breach Over El Paso Texas Border Region

Iranian doctor accuses Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of executing injured protesters inside hospital wards in Tehran during nationwide unrest

Former England cricket star Steve and wife Jane call for urgent healthcare change in Wales after sepsis death of daughter Bethan James in Cardiff hospital

Rachel Walter: Shaping Visitor Experiences and Tourism Growth

Rachel Walter brings over twenty years of experience in tourism, destination development, and heritage-led visitor economy growth.

She currently oversees the Holidays business at the National Trust, managing a portfolio that includes 400 holiday cottages, 18 campsites, and a workforce of 600.

Her division generates more than £23 million in annual revenue and also manages brand partnerships and film location activity.

During her seventeen-year tenure at the National Trust, Rachel has led national and regional visitor operations, commercial strategy, and large-scale investment programs.

She has previously contributed to destination development in the South West of England and at The Alnwick Garden, helping to deliver regional regeneration and long-term growth.

Rachel has also served in governance roles as a Non-Executive Director of Visit Bath and Trustee of Bath Preservation Trust, reinforcing her commitment to sustainable, high-quality, and inclusive tourism across England.

Governance and Appointment Details

Richard Morsley and Rachel Walter’s appointments are made in line with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments, which ensures fairness and transparency in public sector roles.

Both appointees have declared no political activity in the last five years.

Board members of the VisitEngland Advisory Board are remunerated £3,300 per year, reflecting the time and expertise they contribute to shaping the country’s tourism strategy.

What’s Next?

With Richard and Rachel now on board, VisitEngland is well-positioned to guide the strategic direction of England’s tourism sector over the next five years.

Their combined experience in heritage, commercial management, and destination development will help drive sustainable growth, enhance visitor experiences, and support regional regeneration.

As the country navigates post-pandemic tourism recovery, seeks to attract international visitors, and invests in cultural preservation, both leaders are expected to play a central role in ensuring tourism continues to deliver economic, social, and community benefits across England.

Summary

Richard Morsley and Rachel Walter have joined the VisitEngland Advisory Board for five-year terms beginning March 2026.

Richard leads the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust and brings deep experience in heritage-led regeneration, economic growth, and governance.

Rachel manages the National Trust Holidays portfolio, with extensive expertise in visitor operations, commercial strategy, and sustainable tourism development.

Their appointments follow strict public sector governance codes, with both bringing the skills needed to strengthen England’s tourism and heritage sectors while supporting inclusive, sustainable growth.