Release Date: 2008-07-10
Original Link: http://presszoom.com/story_145281.html
Tourism and Major Events Minister Tim Holding said Dr Kirk would replace Mr John Morse AM when he steps down at the end of July, after serving seven years as Chairman of Tourism Victoria. “Janine Kirk brings a unique mix of skills and experience to one of the most important positions in Australia’s tourism industry and will be working to build on Victoria’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination and respond to the challenges facing the tourism industry,” Mr Holding said.
(PressZoom.com) - Dr Janine Kirk AM has been appointed the new Chair of Tourism Victoria.
Tourism and Major Events Minister Tim Holding said Dr Kirk would replace Mr John Morse AM when he steps down at the end of July, after serving seven years as Chairman of Tourism Victoria.
“Janine Kirk brings a unique mix of skills and experience to one of the most important positions in Australia’s tourism industry and will be working to build on Victoria’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination and respond to the challenges facing the tourism industry,” Mr Holding said.
Mr Holding said Janine Kirk, who was first appointed to the Board in October 2007, brings considerable knowledge and experience of the corporate sector, particularly in regard to the promotion of Melbourne and in business events.
“Dr Kirk currently works for Ernst & Young as a Partner and was previously Chief Executive Officer of the Committee for Melbourne, for 12 years, and Chairman of the Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau, for seven years,” Mr Holding said.
“I look forward to working closely with the Tourism Victoria Board as we continue to keep growing Victoria as one of the world’s premium tourist destinations.”
Dr Kirk said tourism was an important contributor to the Victorian economy.
“I am looking forward to working closely with the industry to continue to grow the quality of visitor experiences that will attract an increasing number of visitors to Victoria,” Dr Kirk said.
Mr Holding thanked Mr Morse for his invaluable contribution to the tourism industry.
“You only have to look at the latest tourism research to see how well the Victorian tourism industry is performing, which is a credit to the leadership shown by Mr Morse,” he said.
“Domestic overnight visitors to Victoria over the past year increased by 3.6 per cent to 17.7 million - well above the national average increase of 1.7 per cent.
“Melbourne is also outperforming Sydney as the most lucrative domestic tourism destination with domestic overnight visitors spending $135 million more in Melbourne in the year to March 2008.
“Victoria is the business events capital of Australia and investment in tourism infrastructure like new hotels is continuing to grow.”
Mr Holding also today announced a new appointment to the Board of Tourism Victoria, Janelle Boynton and the re-appointment of Bee Ho Teow and Greg Sword.
“Janelle Boynton, General Manager of Boynton Feathertop Winery, has been active in the promotion of food and wine in Victoria, serving as a member of the Victorian Food and Wine Tourism Council and as Chair of the North East Valleys Food and Wine Group,” Mr Holding said.