Changes at the SATC

SA'S 'MR TOURISM' BILL SPURR STEPS DOWN
South Australia’s tourism industry will farewell one of its most respected leaders when Mr Bill Spurr steps down as Chief Executive of the SA Tourism Commission next year.

Mr Spurr has announced his intention to hand over the reins to a new Chief Executive in July next year and embrace the next stage of his life and career. He has been at the SATC’s helm since 1999 and his successful career in tourism, events and education spans more than 20 years.

Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith praised Mr Spurr for his tireless dedication and enormous contribution to the tourism industry and to South Australia.

“Bill Spurr has been a leading light for tourism in this State, helping to build an impressive calendar of major events and never missing an opportunity to talk up our State’s brilliant attractions.

“We would like to keep him at the helm longer but respect his decision to take a step back and spend more time with his wife Helen and their two new grandchildren.

“I know that Bill will continue to be one of the industry’s most vocal champions and intends to apply his professional skills and knowledge to a variety of tourism and event projects.”

Mr Spurr started his career in tourism as the CEO of the Australian Hotels Association. He then went on to be the inaugural Head of the Adelaide TAFE Centre for Tourism Studies, following by an Executive Director role at the Adelaide Convention and Tourism Authority and General Manager of Australian Major Events.

In addition, Mr Spurr has been the Chair or Deputy Chair on boards including the Adelaide Convention Centre, the Olympic Football Taskforce, and is currently Chair of the World Police and Fire Games 2007.

Mr Spurr says there are exciting times ahead for tourism in South Australia. “The future for the industry is fantastic. Visitor numbers are looking very positive and the potential for growth is enormous,” he says.
 

For more information call Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610.

NEW SATC BOARD MEMBERS
Acting Minister for Tourism John Hill recently announced new Board members of the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC), with well-known tourism identity Bob Foord taking the helm as Chair.

Other new appointments to the SATC Board include Lyn Tuit, who is returning from representing the SATC in France, Jeff Ellison from Sealink, and Ian Horne from the Australian Hotels Association.

The new Board members join existing members, Anne Skipper (Deputy Chair), Jane Clarke and Mark Butler, while Francene Connor and Jane James have been reappointed.

The SATC welcomes the new Board members, all of whom offer a great deal of experience across a range of industries. Their collective experience will greatly benefit tourism in South Australia.

Bob Foord has been actively involved in the tourism industry for more than 20 years and is passionate about promoting South Australia.

The SATC acknowledges the outstanding contribution of tourism industry identity, Phil Hoffmann, as Chair for the past five years and the commitment of outgoing Board members, Debbie Alexander and Peter Collins.

The past year has been extremely successful for the SATC in supporting the industry, with the launch of the State’s new consumer brand, South Australia. A brilliant blend. as well as hosting the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) for the first time in June, 2006.

The work of the previous Board played a major role in the success of these and other activities, which have put the tourism industry in a strong position for the future.

The new Board of the SATC is as follows:
Chair: Bob Foord, Executive Chairman – Proud Australia Group of Companies
Deputy Chair: Anne Skipper AM, Consultant and Executive Coach
Directors: Jane Clarke, Vice Chair & Treasurer - Bed & Breakfast and Farmstay South Australia
Mark Butler, Branch Secretary - Liquor, Hospitality & Miscellaneous Union (SA)
Francene Connor, Marketing Manager – Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society
Dr Jane James, Head of Cultural Tourism – Flinders University
Lyn Tuit, formerly Regional Manager Southern Europe - SATC
Jeff Ellison, CEO – Sealink
Ian Horne, General Manager/CEO - Australian Hotels Association (SA)
The SATC Board was established under the South Australian Tourism Commission Act 1993, as the governing body of the South Australian Tourism Commission.

For more information call Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610.

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