Mantra Group CEO Bob East and tourism industry executive Andrea Staines have been appointed to the Tourism Australia Board of Directors.
Australia’s Minister for Trade and Investment, Steven Ciobo, made the announcements and said they would be for a period of three years, commencing 1 July 2016.
“I also announce that existing member of the board, Andrew Fairley will take up the position of Deputy Chair, from 1 July 2016 for 12 months,” he said.
“Tourism Australia supports the Australian economy and the growth of the tourism industry by promoting Australia as leisure and business events destination.
“It continues to build on its marketing success under the There’s Nothing Like Australia umbrella with the recent launch of the Aquatic and Coastal campaign.
“I am confident Bob East and Andrea Staines, with their substantial knowledge and experience in the tourism sector, will contribute to the success of Tourism Australia and ensure it continues to meet the challenges posed by an increasingly competitive environment.
“I look forward to working with them and I also thank retiring members Mark Stone and Brett Godfrey for their significant contribution,” he said.
East has more than 20 years’ experience in the tourism industry, currently serving as the CEO of the Mantra Group.
“East will bring essential skills and knowledge of a crucial tourism industry sector to the Tourism Australia Board,” Ciobo said.
East’s experience includes serving on the boards of the Gold Coast Tourism Corporation Limited, Tourism and Transport Forum, Tourism Accommodation Australia and Gold Coast Football Club.
East is also Chairman of Tourism Events Queensland and Chair of the Tourism and Transport Forum’s Accommodation Sector Panel. He has helped shape the Mantra Group into the second-largest, Australian-based hotel company, making it a leading accommodation provider within Australasia.
He has extensive experience in the accommodation sector, previously holding senior management roles with the Mirvac portfolio and the Daiyko Group.