AGM signifies turning point for tourism

Mackay Tourism’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) reconfirmed the strength of tourism in The Mackay Region, and highlighted an ongoing confidence from key stakeholders.

Re-elected chairman Rob Porter, who is General Manager of the Mackay Airport, will serve the position for another 12 months.

Four new board members were also elected; Michele Shea from the Old Station Tea House, Judy Langdon from Hay Point Bed & Breakfast, Paul Kelly from Kelly Legal and Bayden Matheson from Aero Care Flight Services.

Long-serving board member Ron Ailwood, Director of the Sarina Tourist Art and Craft Centre, resigned from his position on the board and was thanked by the board for his contributions.

Racheal Klitscher (Tourism & Events Queensland), Deanne Woolcock (Caneland Central) and Scott Rebgetz (Big 4 Mackay Marine Tourist Park) also resigned from the board after making positive contributions.

The AGM also provided an opportunity to look back at the achievements of Mackay Tourism over the past 12 months.

Mackay Tourism General Manager, Tas Webber, who has worked closely with board, staff and stakeholders since he began the role just over 12 months ago, has led a successful campaign to make tourism one of the most important industries in Mackay.

“Thanks to the support and collaboration with key stakeholders like the Mackay Regional Council, Isaac Regional Council, Tourism & Events Queensland and Mackay Airport, Mackay Tourism has gone from strength to strength and have been able to implement some necessary changes over a 12-month period,” Mr Webber said.

Some of those changes include an organisational restructure, new Business and Marketing & Communication Plans, membership remodelling, increase in funding, and plans for expansion of Visitor Information Centre services.

Major achievements of the organisation include record visitation statistics, three quarters of growth in domestic and international visitor numbers, 21% increase in revenue for the organisation, increased engagement with Mackay Tourism members, 77% increase in media value, and a number of successful marketing campaigns including the recently launched #mymackay campaign.

Chairman Rob Porter said it was an exciting time to be involved in the tourism industry and looked forward to working with the new board members to drive tourism in the right direction.

“The commitment from the previous board has paved the way for a fantastic future at Mackay Tourism, and I look forward to working with our new board to generate exciting and innovative tourism solutions going forward,” Mr Porter said.