Heavyweights to join Tourism Queensland Board

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has announced the appointment of five tourism and business heavyweights to the Tourism Queensland Board.

As the Queensland Premier explained "we need the best we have at the helm of this vital industry. The calibre of these appointees speaks for itself and this completes the dream team for Tourism in Queensland.

"These are industry people, who understand the importance of creating and supporting tourism jobs during these tough financial times."

Premier Bligh said that joining Tourism Queensland Chairman Don Morris AO and Deputy Chair Julie McGlone are:

• Carnival Australia Chief Executive, Ann Sherry AO
• Quicksilver Group General Manager, Tony Baker (pictured)
• Lillydale Host Farm Director, Pamela Hardgrave
• Emporium Hotel General Manager, Peter Savoff
• Business consultant Dr Peter Lynch.

Capricorn Tourism Chairman and Central Queensland tourism and hospitality owner/operator Grant Cassidy and Managing Director of National Park Pty Ltd Shane O'Reilly were also re-appointed to the board.

The Queensland Premier added "what these appointments show is just how determined the State government is to support this vital industry and protect the 119,000 jobs it provides in Queensland.

"Tourism Queensland's Best Job in the World campaign won awards all over the world and a new and invigorated board will mean more of that type of creative, world-beating thinking."

Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said the new board members would each contribute distinctive skills and experience to the board, stating "cruise shipping is a growing, large, high-yielding tourism sector and Ann Sherry is the industry's leading advocate. Ann also brings invaluable corporate expertise as the former CEO of Westpac New Zealand.

"Tony Baker heads one of Queensland's highest profile tour operations - the Quicksilver Group - based in Tropical North Queensland. He is a highly respected tourism leader with more than 30 years of experience in a range of large tourism operations in both the Gold Coast and Tropical North Queensland.

"Peter Savoff is General Manager - hotels division of Queensland-based developer the Anthony John Group. Launched in 2006, the Group aims to build and run a collection of high-end, boutique hotels, the first being the outstanding, multi award-winning Emporium Hotel in Brisbane in June 2007.

"Pamela Hardgrave is a Telstra Business Women's Award winner and her wonderful Lillydale Host Farm is one of our State's elite 'Hall of Fame' tourism award winners.. Pam is a well-known tourism identity and active member of the tourism industry and local Scenic Rim community in south-east Queensland.

"Peter Lynch is principal of legal consultancy dci lyncon. He was a lecturer and MBA program director at the University of Queensland Business School and has held senior marketing roles and executive roles in large Australian corporations."

Lawlor also thanked outgoing Tourism Queensland Board members Lyn Gregson, Sarina Russo and Chris White for their outstanding contributions during their TQ board tenures.

2nd March 2009 - TOURISM’S BEST HONOURED