Hospitality stalwart, Michael Issenberg, has been appointed Chairman of
Tourism Australia as the organisation prepares for the reopening of
international borders to short-term visitors this month.
Issenberg
replaces Bob East, who served in the role since 2017, including his
overseeing of the establishment of the Business Events Bid Fund.
Australia's
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Dan Tehan, welcomed the
appointment, pointing at Issenberg's "wealth of experience and great
energy and commitment to support the industry and its 660,000 workers
and businesses".
"[His] leadership will be crucial to promote Australia's
world-leading tourist attractions and entice even more visitors to
holiday in our country.
"I look forward to working with Michael and his team as Australia opens back up to the world,” he added.
After
more than 25 years with Accor, most recently as the Chairman and CEO of
the Asia-Pacific region, Issenberg is also a Lifetime Member of Tourism
and Transport Forum Australia.
Other board changes include SeaLink Travel Group Chairman, Jeffrey
Ellison, who will serve a second term as Deputy Chair, while the
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Tourism Division Chairman,
John Hart, has been reappointed for a second three-year term.