TGGB appoints three new board members

TOURISM Greater Geelong has added three new faces to its board.

The organisation held its annual general meeting on October 26, where Varia Mitchell, Larelle Fitt and Tom Ward were appointed.

Bringing more than 23 years’ experience in tourism and events, Ms Fit has been elected as the skills-based business events board member.

She is the group head of conference and events at Sharp Group, managing event teams across Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Curlewis Golf Club, The Range, Flying Brick Cider House and Leura Park Estate.

Joining the board as the skills-based marketing board member, Ms Mitchell is a passionate marketer with 28 years’ in the tourism and hospitality industry.

She is the director of sales and marketing for Vue Apartments and R Hotel and is dedicated to connecting guests with experiences and creating memories.

With 10 years’ experience working in various senior accounting and management positions, Mr Ward is the new skills-based finance board member.

He is the owner and managing director of Murphys, Queens of the West and Eureka Hotel.

“The newly appointed Board members will bring fresh perspectives to the table, ensuring that our organisation continues its trajectory of growth and success,” TGGB chair Bill Mithen said.

The three new appointments replace outgoing board members Connie Trathen, Helen Butteriss, and Karen Jackson.

“I thank Connie Trathen, Helen Butteriss, and Karen Jackson for their dedicated service in steering the organisation’s strategic direction for the past three years,” Mr Mithen said.

“We appreciate and are grateful for all you have accomplished.”

According to TGGB’s annual report for 2022-23, the organisation completed seven major projects over the financial year, winding up $2 million in jointly funded initiatives between state and local government to support COVID recovery of the industry.

Completed projects include the Visiting Friends and Relatives campaign, the Domestic Short Break campaign, the rebuild of the Visit Geelong & The Bellarine website, Brand Geelong, Business Events Procurement, Destination Master Planning, and the Industry Strengthening program.

Compared to the year ending June 2019, visitation saw a modest bump of 4.8 per cent to 6.2 million, nights increased by 8 per cent to 4.41 million and spending jumped 45 per cent to $1.6 billion.

Direct employment in the tourism workforce has grown back to 6,410.