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Our Board: About Us

Canberra Region Tourism Leaders Forum 

The Canberra Region Tourism Leaders Forum is a not-for-profit body advocating for the ACT tourism and associated industry sectors in the National Capital and surrounding Canberra Region. The 24 members meet monthly. 
 

What we do
  • Represent and advocate for the ACT tourism and associated industry sectors in the National Capital and across the wider Canberra Region

  • Develop strong partnerships with all those organisations working within the tourism and related sectors in the ACT and surrounding region.

  • Act as a think tank and policy generator

  • Bring together the influencers and drivers of our tourism and related sector industry bodies with the aim of growing the ACT and region visitor economy.

  • Raise the profile of the tourism industry and associated sectors across the ACT and Region

  • Liaise on an ongoing basis with ACT, NSW and Federal politicians relevant to the tourism sector and responsible for growing the visitor economy.

How do we do this
  • Respond to ACT and Federal policy and strategy papers requiring input from the industry.

  • Represent the industry at forums and meetings convened by all levels of government and the private sector when required.

  • Meet and brief ACT Members of the Legislative Assembly and NSW and Federal politicians on issues relating to the sectors we represent.

  • Continue to convene the Canberra Region Tourism Advisory Forums

  • Meet with ACT industry leaders and operators on an ongoing basis.

  • Establish effective communication with Destination Southern NSW and key members and operators of the industry in the region.

  • Be available to respond to media enquiries and continue to raise the public profile of our industry at every opportunity.

How we measure our achievements
  • The ACT Government calls on the Leaders Forum to represent our industry sectors on a number of business forums

  • We are invited to private sector forums and meetings to represent the industries we serve

  • We have developed strong relationships with the leaders and operators of all sectors we represent

  • We are frequently called upon by the media to commentate on tourism industry matters

  • The Tourism Advisory Forum continues to grow in membership and attendance and each month attracts outstanding speakers.

Our Members

The Leaders Forum represents a range of sectors including tourism, hospitality, business, attractions, aviation, sports, education, arts and culture.

Chair

Dr David Marshall AM

Canberra Region Tourism Leaders Forum

Member

Naomi Dale

President, National Capital Attractions Association

Secretary

Noel Langdon

Director Cultural Attractions of Australia

Member

Michael Matthews

CEO Canberra Convention Bureau

Member

Dot Barclay

President SKAL ACT and Proprietor Forest Inn Hotel & Apartments

Member

Olivia Thornton

CEO Cricket ACT representing the Coalition of Major Sports (COMPS) ACT

Member

Richard Everson

Destination Southern New South Wales

Member

Michael Milton

Australian Paralympic skier/cyclist & tourism business owner

Deputy Chair

Katie Russell

Canberra Region Tourism Leaders Forum, CEO Australian Museum and Galleries Association

Member

Chris Garfield

General Manager Australian Hotels Association (ACT)

Treasurer

Dr Brian Weir

Assistant Professor Tourism Program, Canberra Business School, University of Canberra

Member

Michael Thomson

Head of Aviation, Canberra Airport

Member

Rob Stefanic

Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services, Parliament House

Member

Emma Shaw

Piquenique Wine representing Canberra District Wine Industry

Member

Dash Rumble

Owner, Pilot and Such & Such - representing restaurant sector

Member

Vanessa Brettell

Proprietor, Café Stepping Stone - representing social enterprises

Member

Karen Doran

CEO National Capital Authority

Member

Jonathan Kobus

Director Visit Canberra

Member

Gordon Ramsay

CEO Cultural Facilities Corporation

Member

Stephen Wood

CEO National Convention Centre Canberra

Member

Gary Stewart

General Manager The Canberra Centre

Member

Greg Harford

CEO Canberra Business Chamber

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