NEW Tourism Tasmania chief executive John Fitzgerald said his appointment would not inflict more organisational change on the peak body, other than a closer working relationship with Tourism Australia.
Mr Fitzgerald was appointed last December as the third chief for the state tourism organisation in two years. His predecessor, Tony Mayell, was appointed in March 2011, filling a vacancy left by Felicia Mariani in December 2010.
Mr Mayell was in the job for just 18 months before resigning to take up a similar position in the Northern Territory.
Mr Fitzgerald said he would implement several projects endorsed by Tourism Tasmania's board last year. These included launching a new tourism brand, preparing a five-year tourism marketing strategy, Discover Tasmania's website redevelopment and further development of marketing programs with the state's four regional tourism organisations. Mr Fitzgerald said he aimed to develop a stronger relationship with Tourism Australia.
``This will enable us to better capitalise on its multimillion dollar international marketing investment, including the resources in its international offices,'' he said.
``Tourism Australia runs a host of PR, social media and other co-operative marketing campaigns targeting consumers and the travel trade in overseas markets, and we want to be able to get a bigger slice of those programs.''
Cradle Coast Authority regional tourism development manager Ian Waller said Mr Fitzgerald's background in regional tourism and commitment to Tourism Tasmania's established structure meant more wholesale changes to the state's tourism direction would not occur.
``This confirms that the concept is right and we need to continue to work together with Tourism Tasmania to get the best results for our individual regions and our state,'' he said.
``While change occurs at Tourism Tasmania, it is acknowledged that the tourism industry is also changing locally, nationally and internationally, and our industry must not be threatened by these changes and instead be flexible.''