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The Chairman of Tourism Australia, Tim Fischer announced yesterday that Geoff Buckley had been appointed by the Board of Tourism Australia to the top post of Managing Director.

The announcement comes three days after the Mole predicted that Geoff Buckley would be appointed, providing tangible proof that The Mole’s ear is very close to the ground and that TravelMole is the news resource for the travel and tourism industry – the top location where you will find all the up to the minute and leading edge news.

On Monday The Mole reported that although Geoff Buckley was originally not a candidate for the top tourism job and this was confirmed to The Mole by Mr Buckley, but the Mole sniffed out the story and this is a link to the report in Monday’s TravelMole: http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1113811.php?news_cat=&pagename=searchresult

Geoff starts in his job immediately, hitting the ground running in Tokyo having acted in the role for the last few months, with Mr Fischer saying, “This appointment follows a lengthy process by the Board of Tourism Australia involving careful consideration of the very strong field of candidates from within Tourism Australia and also those external to Tourism Australia.”  “With more than 20 years of experience in tourism and his strong research background, Geoff was the outstanding candidate to lead Tourism Australia.

Mr Fischer added, “The Board of Tourism Australia was impressed with his professionalism, strategic thinking and attention to detail as the Acting Managing Director and as Director of Strategy and Research at Tourism Australia, Geoff played a pivotal role in the development of our strategic plan”.  “He has also held senior positions with Tourism NSW and with the Sydney Olympic Park Authority.”

“This is all about strong research driven consolidation, along with open communication and comprehensive consultation with industry, and I have every confidence Geoff will be a very good team player.”

Mr Fischer added the Board would have a two day meeting early next month, including a major strategy session to ensure momentum builds for a flying start for 2007.

The Mole was confident that Geoff had done such a good job in his Acting MD role that he would be appointed to it permanently and this was confirmed my Mr Fischer. 

Upon Geoff’s return to Aus, The Mole hopes to be popping in for a chat re his plans for the organisation – congratulations Geoff!

Report by The Mole