Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones today announced Bob East as the new Chairperson of the Tourism and Events Queensland Board.

Ms Jones said Mr East brought more than 20-years tourism industry experience to the Board.

“As CEO of the Mantra Group, Mr East has been responsible for strengthening the company’s brand and developing the Group into one of the leading accommodation providers and marketers in Australasia,” she said.

“Mr East is well respected and highly regarded within the tourism sector. Mr East’s experience includes serving as a Board Member of the Gold Coast Tourism Corporation Limited, Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF), Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA), Gold Coast Football Club (AFL) and is also Chair of the Tourism and Transport Forum’s Accommodation Sector Panel (TTF).”

Ms Jones said she had acted on advice from TEQ Board members and industry stakeholders to reduce the size of its membership from 14 to nine.

“This smaller Board, which draws on a wealth of experience from industry leaders across Queensland, will oversee high-level strategies to drive growth through investment in marketing and events, aviation access and creating jobs,” she said.

“I thank the outgoing Board members for their work and dedication to Queensland tourism.”

Mr East said it was a privilege to be appointed to the position and he looked forward to working with fellow Directors, the TEQ team and industry stakeholders to support growth in tourism and events in Queensland.

“Queensland has a competitive advantage in the diversity of destinations and experiences on offer, natural assets like the Great Barrier Reef and our proximity to Asian growth markets,” he said.

“There is a sense of optimism and confidence around the industry and we are well placed to take advantage of the opportunities ahead. Our ultimate aim is to get visitors to stay longer, spend more and come back again.”

Ms Jones said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to growing Queensland’s $23 billion tourism sector and the more than 200,000 jobs it supports.

“That’s why we’re investing $400 million in Queensland tourism as well as $100 million to protect the state’s iconic Great Barrier Reef,” she said.

Tourism and Events Queensland Board Members

• Bob East (Chairperson)
  Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mantra Group 
  
  
• Julieanne Alroe (Deputy Chairperson)
  CEO and Managing Director Brisbane Airport Corporation

• Gary Smith
  Non-Executive Chairman, Flight Centre Travel Group
  Managing Director of Tourism Leisure Corporation and the Kingfisher Bay Resort Group of companies

• Anna Guillan
  Regional Director, Sales and Marketing Australia and New Zealand, Kerzner International
  
  
• Professor Judith McLean
  Professor of Arts Education, Creative Industries, Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
  
  
• Karen Hanna
  Company Director, TPD Media
  Chair, Outback Queensland Tourism Association; Director, Media Potential
  
  
• Paul Donovan
  Executive General Manager, Business Development and Marketing, Queensland Airports Ltd
  Chair, Gold Coast Tourism
  
  
• Michael Healy
  Group Director of Sales and Marketing, the Quicksilver Group