Berresford’s decision comes at the same time as the government has decided to cancel plans to formally separate VisitEngland from VisitBritain.

Although they are marketed separately both come under the remit of the British Tourist Authority (BTA).

Last year, following a review by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), it was recommended that the two organisations by formally split up.

TTG has learned that this will now not happen. DCMS has cited money as the main factor behind the decision and will instead aim to strengthen work between the two.

It is not clear whether Berresford’s decision to leave came because of the U-turn by DCMS.

TTG asked the BTA to clarify the reason for his departure but a spokesperson declined to comment.

The DCMS was hit by a 5% cut to its budget as part of chancellor George Osborne’s most recent spending review.

A British Tourist Authority spokesperson said: “James Berresford took the decision to leave VisitEngland in the New Year after six very successful years at the helm."

They added: “We are working through both organisations’ [VisitEngland and VisitBritain’s] priorities and how we will organise to deliver these. Any implications will be discussed first with our staff before we make any external comment.”

A spokesperson for DCMS said: "Our tourism industry is a global success story - we want to ensure it continues to thrive in the competitive international market.

“That is why we are bringing VisitEngland and VisitBritain closer together and secured an extra £40 million in funding to boost English tourism."

VisitBritain’s main role is promoting the UK abroad while VisitEngland concentrates on the domestic market.

Last year VisitEngland launched a £4 million TV advertising campaign starring Shaun the Sheep.

The animated character appeared on screen encouraging people to book with their local travel agent.

With George Osborne cutting departmental budges, DCMS looks like it is finding ways to save cash.