Tourism Australia confirms Phillipa Harrison as new Managing Director

September 13, 2019

Tourism Australia has confirmed Phillipa Harrison as its new Managing Director, the promotion seeing Harrison become the national tourism organisation’s first ever female head.

Harrison, who has held the Managing Director role in an acting capacity over recent months, was previously Tourism Australia’s Executive General Manager International, overseeing a network of international offices spanning 12 countries and managing airline relationships and distribution channels.

Advising that Harrison had been a stand-out candidate in the interview process, Tourism Australia Chairman, Bob East stated "Phillipa has made an enormous contribution in her three years at Tourism Australia. She has great support in the industry and I am confident that Tourism Australia is in the best of hands.”

Harrison said the opportunity to lead Australia’s national tourism organisation represented a career high, adding “I couldn’t be happier or prouder to be given the chance to head up the Tourism Australia team. This is a period of change, challenge and opportunity for our industry.

“With competition for the global travel wallet and the demands of the international traveller ever increasing and both global and Australian tourism facing a number of significant headwinds, the need for a strong, cohesive and united industry has never been greater.

“My focus is very much on making sure that Tourism Australia continues to lead from the front, through creative and high impact marketing but also through the important distribution and partnership platforms we provide to industry.”

The appointment has been welcomed by both the Exhibition and Event Association and the Tourism and Transport Forum Australia (TTF).

TTF Chief Executive Margy Osmond stated “Ms Harrison’s experience across government and the tourism sector is exceptional, and she will be an incredible asset to Tourism Australia and the industry.

“Ms Harrison’s contribution to Tourism Australia to date has been outstanding and we look forward to continuing to work with her in her position of Managing Director.

“The tourism industry is in great shape with Pip at the helm of our major destination marketing body.”

Exhibition and Event Association Chief Executive Joyce DiMascio added “we are delighted to see that the selection panel saw fit to give this important opportunity to Phillipa. She has demonstrated her skills and expertise over previous years as part of the senior leadership team at Tourism Australia and it makes great sense to have promoted her into this role.

“We look forward to working with Phillipa and her team especially in promoting the growth opportunities for the business events sector globally. We already have a strong partnership with Tourism Australia and we are very confident that we can continue to build upon this relationship with Phillipa at the helm.”

Harrison takes up the new position immediately.

6th May 2019 - Staff shake up at Tourism Australia

15th April 2019 - Tourism Australia’s ‘free lunch’ job search slammed by union

22nd January 2019 - Australia’s cultural attractions combine to launch new Global Tourism Initiative

4th September 2018 - Expanding Australia’s High Net Worth appeal a positive for tourism

12th January 2018 - Company behind Queenstown skydiving accident ceases trading

5th September 2017 - Bob East named as new Chair of the Tourism Australia Board

17th May 2017 - Tourism Australia anniversary to be celebrated with EEAA mentoring dinner

27th January 2016 - Tourism Australia launches new international marketing campaign

1st October 2015 - Tourism Australia begins filming on $40 million aquatic and coastal marketing campaign

2nd May 2014 - Commission of Audit recommends halving funding for Tourism Australia, drastic cuts to minimum wage

28th January 2014 - Tourism Australia announces new Managing Director

5th November 2013 - Tourism Australia considers outsourcing Australian Tourism Exchange

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