The Tweed’s new peak tourism body, unveiled earlier this year, is set to have a new boss.
The Destination Tweed Inc board has appointed Mr Bill Tatchell as Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Tatchell will join the organisation at the start of the New Year.
According to Board Chair, Niel Mason, Mr Tatchell brings to the role a wealth of travel and tourism experience in all operational areas – from advertising and business development through to senior management and strategy.
“The Board is confident that Destination Tweed and its members will benefit significantly from Bill’s in-depth knowledge of regional destination marketing and the strong relationships he has developed at the government level through his involvement on key advisory and review panels,” said Mr Mason.
“Most importantly, he knows the Tweed well and has a strong commitment to achieving both economic and environmental sustainability for the region.”
Mr Tatchell’s most recent appointment was as General Manager of Oryx Tourism Development, a Dubai-based consultancy providing tourism advisory services to clients such as the Monaco Government, leading German tourism development company Extra Divers Worldwide and the Australian Federal Government Attorney General’s Department, reviewing the potential for future tourism developments on Christmas Island.
Prior to that, he served as General Manager of the Outback Queensland Tourism Association from 2005 to 2008 and Business Development Manager at Gold Coast Tourism from 2004 to 2005.
On an industry advisory level, Mr Tatchell served on the Queensland Tourism Industry Review Committee, examining the restructure of Queensland’s tourism industry; the Wetlands Protection Committee, providing advice on the development of commercial tourism opportunities in sites of environmental significance; and was Deputy Chair of Queensland Online, looking at the implementation of a whole-of-state e-commerce strategy.
“I am personally very excited by the opportunities that lie ahead for the Tweed,” said Mr Tatchell.
“The region’s strengths are so varied; encompassing the natural environment, the locally produced products and a wealth of nature-based experiences.”
“These attributes, combined with the Tweed’s natural beauty and charm, provide an ideal foundation to build on the successful work that has already been achieved by Destination Tweed.”
Mr Tatchell will join the Destination Tweed team on January 3, replacing outgoing CEO Phil Villiers who has served in the role for the past four years.
“Phil is considered by many to be an icon of the Tweed and has successfully steered the organisation through a significant period of change,” said Mr Mason.
“He will most certainly be missed but his achievements have provided an excellent platform for growth and we look forward to a smooth transition and exciting times ahead as Bill takes over the reins.”
