NEW BOARD MEMBERS ANNOUNCED FOR TOURISM QUENSLAND

An experienced, passionate and dedicated team has been chosen to help lead Queensland’s tourism industry into the future, says Tourism Minister Margaret Keech.

Mrs Keech today announced the appointment of Shane O’Reilly (Canungra), Grant Cassidy (Rockhampton), Kayleen Collins (Cairns) and Lyn Gregson (AirlieBeach) to the board of Tourism Queensland.

She said the board members would bring a wide range of tourism experience and knowledge from regions around the state.

“These people will play an important role in guiding the direction of Queensland’s tourism industry,” Mrs Keech said.

“In selecting the new board members we needed to ensure that the representatives not only had a strong understanding of the Queensland tourism industry, but would be proactive in guiding its future.

“I believe with these new appointments, we have strong statewide industry representation.”

Mrs Keech said Tourism Queensland was entering an exciting new phase of development.

“The Beattie Government recently invested more than $48 million in the 10-year Queensland Tourism Strategy (QTS) to secure the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the State’s tourism industry,” she said.

“The opportunity for further economic returns from tourism expenditure over the next 10 years is very promising.

“The QTS is expected to deliver a $21.6 billion return for Queenslanders along with 41,000 extra industry jobs.

“I congratulate the new board members on their appointments and look forward to them providing strong representation for Queensland’s tourism industry.”

Mrs Keech said the Tourism Queensland Board was dedicated to achieving top results for Queensland’s tourism industry.

“As Tourism Queensland Board members, they take on roles in representing one of the state’s most important industries,” she said.

“All of the members have been involved in tourism operations or regions for a long time.

“This experience, mixed with a passion that is unique to Queensland, will ensure only the best returns for Queensland’s tourism industry.”

Media Contact: Jo Gibbons 3224 2007