ATEC turns to old hand for new era

ATEC turns to old hand for new era
By admin


The Australian Tourism Export Council has turned to its former managing director Peter Shelley to once again lead the organisation, eight years after quitting the role.

He will take up the position immediately and replaces Felicia Mariani who left late last year.

ATEC chairman John King, pictured, perhaps pre-empting potential headlines, insisted it was not a case of going “back to the future”.

He told members the board was impressed with Shelley’s vision and of his ability to carry it out, with his knowledge of online and traditional distribution “additional bonuses”.

Shelley held the MD post for seven years, leaving in January 2006 to pursue “investment and entrepreneurial opportunities”. During his tenure he led the rebrand from the Inbound Tourism Organisation of Australia (ITOA) to the council’s current name.

Shelley described his return to ATEC as a “great honour”.

“I believe this organisation is a vital part of our growing $27 billion inbound tourism industry making a positive contribution to both our regional and national economy,” he said.

“I’m excited about re-joining the team at ATEC and working with all industry partners to help strengthen and continue to grow tourism as one of Australia’s leading exports.”

One of Shelley’s first tasks will be to reduce costs at ATEC as the organisation looks to return its budget to surplus.

King said before Christmas that “significant changes” would be required.

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