AusLeisure

Felicia Mariani has commenced her new role as Managing Director of the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) - the national body representing Australiaâs $26 billon tourism export sector.

Her arrival has been warmly welcomed by the ATEC Chairman John King who stated that appointment of the former Tourism Tasmania Chief Executive had been "enthusiastically received by members and the wider range of industry stakeholders. I think members overall are looking forward very positively to her tenure."

King added that Mariani joined ATEC with a very strong background of experience in both the public and private sector which gives her a great understanding of not only the tourism industry, but the challenges that it faced.

"One of the things that has become a hallmark of Felicia's experience in Tasmania, Tourism New South Wales, Tourism Victoria and also in her private sector experience, has been her dynamism, passion and great ability to think outside the square.

"As far as ATEC is concerned I think we can expect her to build on the very strong legacy that has been left by Matt Hingerty. We anticipate she will be able to develop new areas of support and service to the tourism industry."

King said there would be a number of challenges and opportunities to address in the year ahead. In terms of the inbound tourism sector these included:

• The recent devastating floods across Australia, particularly in Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia and New South Wales will present urgent and pressing immediate problems;
• We need to provide support to the many businesses in the industry that have been feeling the pinch for the past year;
• The impact the strong Australian dollar will have on inbound travel from our core markets that continue to struggle with financially depressed economies;
• Increasingly rapid changes in global distribution processes and the challenges and opportunities this represents for our industry in the way future business is undertaken;
• The need to continually increase the quality of the product and the strength of the appeal for Australia and its tourism offerings.

King said Mariani's immediate priorities at ATEC would include reviewing their strategic business plans with the Board to expand the role and impact of the organisation; providing enhanced services to members; and to further develop the close working relationships with Tourism Australia and the various

State Tourism Organisations to ensure the most effective marketing and distribution of Australiaâs unique tourism experiences.

For more information go to www.atec.net.au/

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