Brighton and Hove's new tourism boss has promised to build the city's profile as a haven for international holidaymakers and business people.

But Adam Bates stressed he would also find a balance with the needs of local residents and the environment.

His international pedigree should help. He has worked in countries including France, Australia and the USA for big name firms such as Disney, Marriott and My Kinda Town restaurants.

Most recently, he spent two years as head of business tourism at the British Tourist Authority.

Mr Bates will become tourism chief in Brighton and Hove in early May, replacing Amanda Shepherd, who left to run her own business.

As a city resident, he described it as his dream job. He said: "I couldn't be more pleased. This is a job I have longed for over many years.

"I hope that my international experience means I am well placed to ensure Brighton and Hove continues to attract the tourists and conference delegates on which so many local jobs and businesses depend.

"As a resident, I know I have to get the right balance between attracting visitors and protecting our local environment."

At the British Tourist Authority, Mr Bates was responsible for the international marketing of Britain as a meeting, conference and incentive destination through its network of 27 overseas offices.

He has a degree in hospitality management from Brighton University and an MBA from Warwick University.

Brighton and Hove City Council's communications director Tony Miller said: "We are absolutely delighted to bring Adam on board to head up our strong tourism team. His national reputation is very high. Adam outshone a strong list of other candidates and his appointment was the unanimous view of the panel.

"He comes at a tremendously exciting time for tourism in the city with a series of major projects and a new vision for our seafront being launched and a new tourism strategy in development.

"It is also a challenging time as we need to work with a range of other venues across the city to ensure our vital conference market remains intact during the years that the Brighton Centre is closed. I am confident that Adam's energy, skills and world wide network of contacts will help us achieve this."

Roger Marlowe, who chairs the hotels association, said: "I believe the city council has made a good choice.

"The council is creating a great sense of momentum behind tourism which is so vital to local jobs and businesses.

"We feel its senior officers and councillors are really getting to grips with some of these issues and I'm confident Adam is the right person to be taking plans forward."