AC Group says it is now the only UK Inbound Destination Management Company with an LGBTQ division. AC Group plans to partner with “some of the biggest names in LGBTQ events and hospitality”.

Bridge said: “The LGBTQ travel sector is a $6bn industry which still isn’t being serviced to its full potential.” He added that he wanted to see the UK “at the top of the international LGBTQ community’s travel bucket list”.

“I look forward to diversifying and increasing AC Group’s business, ensuring that all our customers are confident of a warm welcome regardless of where they travel with us,” he said.

Bridge is also UK Ambassador for the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association.

AC Group joint chief executive Rob Russell said: “LGBTQ travel is evolving swiftly as acceptance spreads and the travel industry matures to offer everything this diverse sector seeks, including weddings and honeymoons, solo, group and family travel.

“Favourites such as New York, Sydney, Cape Town and Sitges now jostle for attention alongside emerging hot spots such as Croatia, Israel and Mexico, with younger travellers in particular less loyal to the traditional destinations as they seek out more ‘mainstream’ experiences and accommodation.

“John’s tourism and travel pedigree complemented with a specialism in seeking out and delivering memorable experiences for the LGBTQ market, means he will help us to further establish AC Group as the leading DMC in the UK.”

VisitBritain’s director of travel trade and business events (North America) Carl Walsh, said: “We are delighted that AC Group is building this division which will specialise in meeting the demand of North American travellers in this important market.”