New Chairperson announced for Destination NSW

November 17, 2022

Sally Loane has been announced as the new Chair of Destination NSW, with NSW Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin thanking outgoing Chair Christine McLoughlin.

An experienced non-executive director and business leader in financial services, media and corporate affairs, Loane serves on the boards of Chubb Insurance Australia, Venues NSW and Pankind, the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation.

Advising that he anticipates that Loane will provide strong leadership for the recovery and growth of the NSW visitor economy, Minister Franklin stated “Sally’s leadership of the Destination NSW Board will play a vital role in NSW achieving its vision to be the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.

“Her expertise in strategy, governance, complex stakeholder engagement and innovation will help steer the NSW visitor economy through its recovery phase and strengthen it for the future.”

From 2014 to 2021, Loane was the Chief Executive of the Financial Services Council, is currently on the Advisory Board of Orizontas, is a trustee for Sydney’s Hyde Park ANZAC Memorial, a global ambassador for Business Events Sydney and a member of Chief Executive Women.

Saying that she is thrilled to begin work as the new chair of Destination NSW and citIng her passion for regional tourism, Loane (pictured) noted “my hometown of Tenterfield is just one example of a regional centre in NSW that’s undergoing significant change and attracting more and more visitors, whether with innovative cafes, farmers’ markets and original pubs and even old council chambers lovingly restored as boutique accommodation.

“As a frequent visitor to rural NSW, I am passionate about regional tourism, and as incoming chair I look forward to helping grow the visitor economy, not only in our global city of Sydney, but right throughout our great State.”

Minister Franklin praised outgoing chair Christine McLoughlin for the significant contribution she had made during her term, steering Destination NSW through the crisis years of the pandemic.

He added “under Christine’s stewardship, Destination NSW accelerated the implementation of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, launched the Feel New destination brand, developed new funding programs and aviation support packages, and delivered a vibrant, world-class calendar of major events.

“On behalf of the NSW Government, I would like to thank Christine for her passion and unwavering commitment to her role.”

14th November 2022 - Return of Vivid Sydney generates $119 million for local economy

7th November 2022 - Destination NSW partners with National Parks and Wildlife Service in new tourism campaign

5th September 2022 - Penrith City Council partners with Destination NSW to launch new visitor campaign

14th June 2022 - Caravan and Camping industry partner with Destination NSW to launch new campaign

26th October 2021 - Destination NSW launches $10 million campaign promoting post-pandemic travel

15th July 2021 - Destination NSW reschedules Vivid Sydney 2021

13th April 2021 - Destination NSW appoints new Festival Director for Vivid Sydney 2021

8th March 2021 - Destination NSW appoints Christine McLoughlin as new Chair

11th December 2020 - Opera Australia extends partnerships with Dr Handa and Destination NSW and announces return of Handa Opera in 2021

18th October 2020 - Tickets on sale for Destination NSW’s Great Southern Nights gigs

15th June 2020 - Destination NSW announces 1,000 COVIDSafe gigs to be staged from November

7th February 2020 - New Chief Executive named for Destination NSW

19th November 2019 - Destination NSW secures new Sydney Surf Pro event for three years from 2020

15th October 2019 - Destination NSW Chief Executive Sandra Chipchase to depart after eight years

22nd August 2019 - Sydney events funding under scrutiny after release of Destination NSW contracts

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