ATEC recognises Martin Ferguson's contribution to tourism

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has this week recognised the contribution made to the industry by former Federal Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson AM, awarding the former Labor Minister the prestigious status of ATEC Life Membership.

Through its history ATEC has recognised the contribution of some of tourism's most dedicated leaders and personalities through a range of awards and former Minister Ferguson along with former ATEC Managing Director, Felicia Mariani and state Branch Managers were recognised at ATEC's annual Meeting Place Gala Dinner held at The Star in Sydney on the evening of Thursday 5th December.

ATEC Chairman John King OAM explained "the ATEC Life Member award is offered from time to time to a person the organisation feels has made a significant contribution to our industry and has helped to push forth the tourism cause in an outstanding way.

"This is only the 13th to have been awarded, only one of which has previously been awarded to a politician which is the current Treasurer, and former Tourism Minister, the Hon. Joe Hockey."

Martin Ferguson said he wanted to acknowledge that ATEC was a great organisation, and the value of the Young ATEC National Development Program, with program graduates receiving their certificates on the night, stating "please continue this campaign in developing young people because tourism is an industry in Australia that has got a future.

"Australia is going through a transition in the nature of our economy yet again. I'm pleased to say that in a recent report that nominated the five key industries for our future, tourism was amongst those five industries.

"As Minister, I set out to ensure that Canberra and each State and Territory Government understood that the industry had to be taken seriously for one, main reason. It's about employment for Australians."

Along with recognising the efforts of retiring Branch Chairs and Board members, King awarded the Outstanding Individual Contribution to ATEC Branch to Michelle Docherty from Crown Resorts Perth, along with the Branch of the year award to ATEC's Victoria/Tasmania branch. 

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