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London & Partners, the official promotional company for London, has announced that Travelodge’s chief executive Guy Parsons and Alan Bishop, chief executive of London’s Southbank Centre are to join the board.

London & Partners brings together the remits of Visit London, Think London and Study London in a new single entity to promote the capital with one vision and mission to promote and attract leisure and business tourism, higher education, inward investment and major events.

Both Guy and Alan bring with them a huge amount of industry experience which will positively contribute to London & Partners ambitions to create an effective company for the international promotion of London.

Commenting on the appointments, Interim Chair, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas said: “I am delighted to welcome both Alan and Guy to the London & Partners board, their passion and knowledge of London will be a huge asset to our already strong team. By having representatives from a range of sectors we can create a truly integrated and efficient company for promoting London and all it has to offer.”

Alan Bishop, chief executive, Southbank Centre, said: “London is currently the number one international destination for visitors, businesses and students and it is imperative that London & Partners continues its essential promotional activity to maintain this position. I am excited to bring my knowledge, especially of the capital’s incredible arts and culture sector to the London & Partners board.”

Guy Parsons, chief executive, Travelodge, said: “With the Olympic Games and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee fast approaching, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to promote British tourism. Next summer millions of tourists will be visiting our capital and it’s more important than ever to have a robust promotional company in place to reach the domestic and international markets. Travelodge is the biggest hotelier in London and I am very pleased and committed to be supporting London & Partners to make the capital a stronger magnet for tourists and investors through 2012 and beyond.”

More information about the role is available at www.londonandpartners.com