The NSW Government has established three new advisory committees as it takes another step toward achieving its Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 goals.
Chaired by Destination NSW Board members and industry leaders, the Government says the new committees will focus on accommodation, aviation and jobs, bringing together experts from industry and government to reflect the Strategy’s emphasis on partnership.
Launched on 27 August, the Strategy has targets to generate $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure, 40,400 new hotel rooms, 8.5 million new airline seats and an additional 150,000 jobs by 2035.
The Accommodation Advisory Committee will be chaired by Anna Guillan AM, who is Deputy Chair of the Destination NSW Board and an experienced and respected visitor economy business leader.
Ms Guillan has served on boards including Tourism Australia, Tourism and Events Queensland and the Australian Tourism Export Council.
“Achieving the bold and ambitious targets set by the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 will require collaborative action. The Strategy will unlock new opportunities for the people of NSW and cross-government and industry input will be key to its success,” said Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper.
“The new advisory committees will provide guidance on implementing the Strategy’s goals, ensuring we are equipped to create new pathways for visitation and expenditure growth.
“The establishment of these committees will maintain the momentum the NSW Government has generated to implement the new Strategy, with work already underway, including recently announced investments in aviation and marketing.”
The Aviation Advisory Committee will be co-chaired by Destination NSW Board member Andrew McEvoy and Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather. Mr McEvoy brings more than 30 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry and was previously Managing Director and CEO of Tourism Australia. Ms Mather previously served as Managing Director and CEO of Sydney Airport and has over 20 years of experience as a senior leader in the aviation industry.
The Jobs Advisory Committee will be co-chaired by Destination NSW Board members Kirsten Andrews and Emma Hogan. As Vice-President, External Engagement at the University of Sydney, Ms Andrews manages recruitment of international students, identified in the Strategy as a key opportunity to strengthen the NSW workforce.
Ms Hogan has worked at senior levels across government and the private sector, and is an experienced transformation leader across customer, digital, people, culture and communications.
“The chairs of these new advisory committees reflect the deep visitor economy expertise of the Destination NSW Board and tourism industry,” said Destination NSW CEO, Karen Jones.
“Their insights and experience will be invaluable as we seek to implement the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035. Feedback we received during the review of the Strategy indicated strong collaboration would be key to its success.
“The guidance of the advisory committees will ensure that NSW continues to be Australia’s leading visitor economy.”
The Government says full committee membership will be confirmed soon.
