New Chairman for Tourism Tasmania
28-Apr-2011 | The Minister for Tourism, Michelle O’Byrne, recently announced a changing of the guard at the top of the Tourism Tasmania Board.
Ms O'Byrne said current chairman Bob Annells will step down next month after five years in the position with Grant Hunt (pictured), current chairman of Northern Territory Tourism, to replace him."Grant Hunt is highly regarded in national tourism circles and comes to the role with an enormous amount of industry experience," she said.
"He has strong connections to the Tasmanian industry with involvement in the Cradle Mountain Huts, the Bay of Fires Walks and Quamby Estate.
"As a former member of Indigenous Tourism Australia and director of the Australian Tourism Export Council and Tourism Australia, he will bring a great deal to the role.
"I am confident that Mr Hunt and his fellow board members will continue to guide the growth and development of the Tasmanian tourism industry."
Ms O'Byrne said tourism was vitally important to the Tasmanian economy, playing a bigger role in our prosperity than in any other state or territory with the exception of the Northern Territory.
"Tourism Tasmania and I have been very fortunate to have had a person of Bob's standing in this industry to guide us through many issues and challenges over the past five years," she said.
"Back in 2006, when Bob first began as our chairman, Tasmania attracted around 870,000 visitors, 7 million visitor nights and $1.25 billion in spending.
"After what has been a tough period for domestic tourism, he leaves the post with a destination that attracts around 1 million visitors, 8.3 million visitor nights and $1.53 billion in visitor spending every year."
Ms O'Byrne thanked Mr Annells for his contribution to the state's tourism performance.
Further information:
Tasmanian Government Communications Unit
Phone: (03) 6233 6573
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