The chair of the St Albans Visitor Partnership is stepping down from her role in promoting the St Albans district as a top visitor destination.

Vicky LaTrobe has chaired the partnership, a group of local businesses and other organisations that are involved in the visitor economy, for the past three years and overseen a substantial rise in trips to the area.

The partnership includes St Albans district council, the Cathedral, parish councils, the St Albans Business Improvement District and rail firm Govia, as well as representatives from hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, shops and pubs.

Vicky, who runs a marketing and management consultancy, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time chairing the partnership for three years, during which the district has become an ever more popular destination.

“There is a real buzz about the area with new restaurants, cafes and other ventures opening all the time. However, I am rather reluctantly moving out of the area and need to hand over the reins to someone else.

“They will be taking over the role at a very exciting time. The new museum and art gallery in St Albans is due to open next year and a new Cathedral visitor centre is to be built. Plans to create a new leisure and arts hub in Harpenden are also well advanced.

“These new attractions can only further increase interest in the area and further benefit our local economy, creating new jobs and other opportunities.”

The search is currently underway for Vicky’s successor.

Helen Wright, the council’s policy, partnerships and economic development manager, said: “Vicky has brought a great deal of energy and vision to her role as the partnership’s chair and will be missed by all the members. Our thanks go to her.

“The partnership is now looking for someone else who believes they can take on the challenges of this role and help improve the district’s profile.

“Their aim will be to increase awareness of the district’s attractions to day trippers and overseas tourists, including through an improved web and social media presence.”