Published Wednesday, 09 January, 2008 at 04:37 PM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
‘Interim tourism head should hit the ground running’
The Gold Coast tourism industry will be well served with the appointment of state tourism stalwart David Ronai as Interim Chief Executive of Gold Coast Tourism, Queensland Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said today.
“Mr Ronai has considerable tourism industry experience both on a state and regional level, making him the perfect choice to sustain the strong momentum of the local tourism industry,” Ms Boyle said.
“His knowledge of the tourism industry spans from time as the corporate services head and acting chief executive of the state’s peak tourism authority, Tourism Queensland, and positions on Townsville and Mackay tourism boards.
Ms Boyle added the Gold Coast was riding a recent wave of tourism success and encouraged Mr Ronai to keep the momentum going.
“The Gold Coast is one of Queensland’s premier tourism destinations and has experienced significant growth in domestic and, particularly, international tourism over the past year,” Ms Boyle said.
“I recognise the huge effort put in by the previous CEO, Pavan Bahtia, while being well supported by the Gold Coast City Council.
“The region has a clear charter for tourism development and a strong commitment from the State Government and Tourism Queensland to help continue to develop local tourism opportunities.
“In the past year the Gold Coast has seen a significant increase in airline activity including the introduction of international operator AirAsia X and increased services from Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Tiger Airlines.
“This is supported by significant infrastructure and investment commitments including the new State Government funded Rugby League Stadium at Robina and the multi-million dollar Hilton Hotel private development.
“Nonetheless there are some difficult issues to be worked on this year including international and domestic airline access, the Japanese tourism challenge, partnerships with other Queensland destinations, and promoting not only the sun, surf and glamour but also the theme park sector and eco-friendly hinterland.
“Tourists spent $4.6 billion on the Gold Coast in the year ending September 2007.
“I look forward to working with Gold Coast Tourism to ensure this economic growth continues.”
Ends
Media contact: 3225 1005 or 3224 2007
“Mr Ronai has considerable tourism industry experience both on a state and regional level, making him the perfect choice to sustain the strong momentum of the local tourism industry,” Ms Boyle said.
“His knowledge of the tourism industry spans from time as the corporate services head and acting chief executive of the state’s peak tourism authority, Tourism Queensland, and positions on Townsville and Mackay tourism boards.
Ms Boyle added the Gold Coast was riding a recent wave of tourism success and encouraged Mr Ronai to keep the momentum going.
“The Gold Coast is one of Queensland’s premier tourism destinations and has experienced significant growth in domestic and, particularly, international tourism over the past year,” Ms Boyle said.
“I recognise the huge effort put in by the previous CEO, Pavan Bahtia, while being well supported by the Gold Coast City Council.
“The region has a clear charter for tourism development and a strong commitment from the State Government and Tourism Queensland to help continue to develop local tourism opportunities.
“In the past year the Gold Coast has seen a significant increase in airline activity including the introduction of international operator AirAsia X and increased services from Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Tiger Airlines.
“This is supported by significant infrastructure and investment commitments including the new State Government funded Rugby League Stadium at Robina and the multi-million dollar Hilton Hotel private development.
“Nonetheless there are some difficult issues to be worked on this year including international and domestic airline access, the Japanese tourism challenge, partnerships with other Queensland destinations, and promoting not only the sun, surf and glamour but also the theme park sector and eco-friendly hinterland.
“Tourists spent $4.6 billion on the Gold Coast in the year ending September 2007.
“I look forward to working with Gold Coast Tourism to ensure this economic growth continues.”
Ends
Media contact: 3225 1005 or 3224 2007