New destination management for Gold Coast
Posted by editor (editor) on Aug 24 2009
2009 >>

New tourism product for the Gold Coast will be a greater focus now recently-appointed Destination Management Officer (DMO), Stephanie Fuller has joined the ranks of Gold Coast Tourism, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said.

Mr Lawlor said the new Destination Management Office role would strengthen the bonds between Gold Coast Tourism, Tourism Queensland, the Queensland Government and local operators.

“Destination Management Officers are based in regional offices and provide on-the-ground representation and industry leadership regional tourism operators,” Mr Lawlor said.

“As part of a key initiative of the Queensland Tourism Strategy, Ms Fuller has taken up her Gold Coast role as the eighth Destination Management Officer around the state.

“DMOs are already active in Brisbane, Townsville, Tropical North Queensland, Bundaberg and Fraser Coast, Capricorn and Gladstone, Mackay and Whitsundays and the Sunshine Coast.”

Tourism Queensland CEO Anthony Hayes said Ms Fuller would bring a range of invaluable experience to the role, including previous time as Ministerial Liaison Officer for Tourism Queensland and as a Destination Management Officer for Gladstone.

“Ms Fuller has the strategic advantage of taking pre-established relationships with the Queensland Government and Tourism Queensland to her new role at Gold Coast Tourism,” Mr Hayes said.

“As well as significant experience in the tourism industry, she also represented Central Queensland as a Destination Management Officer for Gladstone Area Promotion and Development and has worked in hotel, functions and events management.”

Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter said the Destination Management Officer was an important facilitator for the city.

“Ms Fuller will report to a committee of Gold Coast Tourism, Tourism Queensland and Gold Coast City Council representatives on the grass roots health and progress of our tourism infrastructure,” Mr Winter said.

“This will help establish a clear, ground-up connection for the local industry on tourism opportunities and projects that have the best potential for the city.”

Mr Lawlor said more than 3.99 million domestic and international visitors went to the Gold Coast in the 12 months to March 2009, spending more than $3.8 billion and providing support for approximately 27,500 Queensland jobs.

“Tourism is a key economic driver for the Gold Coast and the appointment of a Destination Management Officer will help grow and protect the tourism industry,” Mr Lawlor said.

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 4:21 PM