International singing star Katherine Jenkins will lead a renewed drive to attract overseas visitors to Britain, serving as the figurehead for VisitBritain’s (VB) upcoming Countryside is GREAT campaign.

In the lead-up to the tourism agency’s Countryside campaign launching in September, Jenkins will collaborate on a range of projects showcasing the best of the UK’s culture and heritage.

The Welsh songstress will perform at a VB-organised festival in Istanbul next month as part of its push promote the UK as a hub of culture and creativity. She will also be touring the UK giving outdoor concerts throughout middle of 2014, with international appearances scheduled in the USA shortly after.

“Britain offers overseas visitors a place alive with culture and blessed with stunning scenic beauty for all to come and enjoy,” said Jenkins. “I’m looking forward to working with VisitBritain and the GREAT Britain Campaign to bring the best of Britain to the rest of the world.”

Jenkins’ arrival as the face of the new campaign to push the British countryside will be welcome news for the British Hospitality Association (BHA), which last week called on new culture secretary Sajid Javid to help revive Britain’s ailing regional tourism spots.

Jenkins joins an illustrious list of Britain’s top talent to have worked with the GREAT Britain Campaign – including Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen, Lewis Hamilton, Sir Richard Branson and Dame Vivienne Westwood.