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Tourism Queensland: National tourism role beckons for TEQ Chair

Direct News Source

05-Sep-2017 Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones today congratulated Queensland tourism identity and Mantra Group CEO Bob East for his appointment to the chair of Tourism Australia.

Ms Jones said Mr East was a deserving candidate to lead tourism at a national level.

"I wish Bob the best of luck in his new role and thank him for his contribution to growing tourism in Queensland during his past two years as chair of the board of Tourism and Events Queensland," she said.

"He stepped into the role at TEQ at a pivotal moment, with Queensland on the cusp of record tourism growth especially in the Asian market.

"His 22 years of experience in the tourism industry proved invaluable for TEQ and Queensland tourism."

Ms Jones said Mr East oversaw a re-energising of the Queensland brand and the growth of the It's Live! In Queensland events calendar to an asset worth more than $600 million.

"His understanding on the future of tourism and the emerging Asian market has already helped opened up new air routes between China and Queensland," she said.

"The Palaszczuk Government's four-year tourism funding guarantee has allowed Bob and his team to lead TEQ with vision and certainty now and into the future."

Mr East, CEO of the Mantra Group since 2007, has developed the Group into one of the leading accommodation providers and marketers in Australasia.

He moves into the role as Chair of Tourism Australia after being appointed to the board in 2016.

Ms Jones said a new chair of the TEQ board would be appointed in the near future.