ATEC Appoints New Board Members

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has appointed six new board members to help steer the organisation, and the tourism industry generally, through the challenges of 2011 and coming years.
ATEC Chairman ATEC, John King, said the new board would work closely with Felicia Mariani, who will take on the role of Managing Director early in the new year, to establish new strategic priorities for the organisation, stating âa key aim for the board in 2011 will be to expand the revenue base of ATEC and increase its industry and business development role and activities.
âAnother objective will be to assist the tourism industry to negotiate its way through the fast changing distribution evolution and to increase the professionalism of the sector and the quality of products offered.
âATEC remains focused on continuing to support tourism industry operators as they navigate through current challenges including the high Australian dollar, high interest rates and the continuing effects of the global financial crisis.�?
King said a variety of high level business and tourism experience was reflected in the new appointments, with the makeup of the new board ensuring that ATEC can build on the strength and achievements of past boards.
The six new board members, appointed at ATECâs National Annual General Meeting on 30th November, are:

Supplier Member Representatives

⢠Aileen Cobern: General Manager, Sales & Marketing - Choice Hotels Australasia

⢠Neale Herridge: Director of Global Sales, Pacific - Accor

Inbound Tour Operator Member Representative

⢠Peter Lloyd: Executive Director - Quadrant Australia

State Tourism Organisation Representative

⢠Anthony Hayes: Chief Executive Officer - Tourism Queensland

Branches Council Representative

⢠Bernie Schulz: Strategic Advisor International Markets - Accor

Young ATEC Representative

⢠Matt Jones: Coordinator Marketing & Tourism - Royal Botanic Gardens (VIC)

Existing Board Member Inga Afheldt was appointed as Vice Chair at the AGM.