Sunshine Coast tourism organisation hosts inaugural event
August 9, 2010
Sunshine Coast Destination Limited, the region’s new tourism organisation, will host its inaugural event with over 300 tourism operators from across the Coast congregating at the Hyatt Regency Coolum on August 9 to hear from guest speaker, former New Zealand Tourism CEO, George Hickton.
The much anticipated event will also give tourism operators the opportunity to meet SCDL board members, the newly appointed CEO, Michael Denton as well as destination desk managers and other key staff within the organisation.
SCDL Chairperson, Julie-Anne Schafer, believes hosting events such as these with such a high profile speaker and engaging the broader business community is an important part of the organisation’s planned strategic direction.
“We are committed to developing strong partnerships with the region’s tourism operators, representatives from other key industries and all levels of government in order to protect and grow our $2.4 billion tourism industry,” said Ms Schafer.
“As we work through the process of developing a new brand strategy and direction for the region, the input of someone as experienced as George Hickton is very valuable and we are delighted to have him address our guests at our inaugural event.”
In his time with Tourism New Zealand, Mr Hickton launched the highly successful 100% Pure New Zealand campaign which saw tourism growth increase by 50%, making it one of New Zealand’s largest export industries. Over its ten-year history, the campaign has been internationally recognised as one of the most successful and stable tourism brands.
During his visit to the Sunshine Coast, Mr Hickton will also meet with the board and management of SCDL to further discuss the value of branding and to provide insight into how to develop a strong brand that accurately reflects what the Sunshine Coast has to offer.
“This event is the first opportunity we have had as a board and an organisation to get together with members of our industry and to look forward to what the future holds for tourism on the Sunshine Coast,” said Ms Schafer.
“This marks an important milestone for our industry and is another step towards developing a strategic, united organisation which can take the industry into the future.”
Ends.
Website
www.scdl.com.au
Contact Details
Tel: 07 5458 8801
Email: dsc@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
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