The Minister for Tourism, Scott Bacon has announced the appointment of Ms Karen Scott Davie and Mr Dallas Newton to the Board of Directors of Tourism Tasmania.


Mr Bacon said Ms Scott Davie is a Director of the CIO Advisory Board for Australia and a former Chief Information Officer of the NSW Business Chamber.
 
“She is very passionate about the internet, social media and digital technology, and her broad background in chartered accounting, marketing, IT Systems and training led her to successfully manage her own training and internet company for 5 years. 
 
“Mr Newton is the owner and Managing Director of APT Day Tours in Sydney and Melbourne. He has developed a strong reputation for innovation and leadership in the distribution area where he has built strong relationships with international travel wholesalers and Inbound Tour Operators from all parts of the world. 
 
 “Karen and Dallas’ commercial and tourism experience will be invaluable to the Tourism Tasmania Board, and I look forward to them making a significant contribution to the Authority and the local tourism industry over the next few years.”
 
Board Chairman Grant Hunt said it is important to regularly look at the combination of business skills and experience on any Board to ensure it is well-equipped to develop and guide their future business strategy.
 
“Ms Scott Davie and Mr Newton bring a different set of skills to the board - skills which are becoming more important than ever in a rapidly changing business environment and global tourism marketplace.”
 
Mr Bacon also thanked retiring Board Members Alison Stubbs and Wayne Kirkpatrick for the valuable contribution they both made as board members since 2006.
 
“During their time as board members, Wayne was a strong advocate on aviation issues while Alison was passionate about local tourism issues. Both were also involved in overseeing the development of the current Tourism 21 Government/Industry Strategic Business Plan.
 
“Alison and Wayne have worked diligently for the Board over the past six years and I wish them well in their future endeavours.”
 
Mr Newton and Ms Scott Davie will officially start on 2 March 2012.
 
Tourism Tasmania is a statutory authority that operates under the Tourism Tasmania Act 1996. It is governed by an eight-member Board appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the Minister.
 
The other board members are: Chair - Grant Hunt, Tourism Tasmania CEO - Tony Mayell, Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts Secretary - Mark Kelleher, Chair of Tourism Industry Council Tasmania - Simon Currant, Kim Seagram and Brett Torossi.