Mackay Young Tourism Leader Recognised

Mackay Tourism is proud to announce that its Visitor Information Centre Manager, Felicity Holder, has been appointed as a Young Tourism Leader by Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones and Training Minister Shannon Fentiman.

Now in its second year, the Young Tourism Leaders program aims to inspire young people to pursue a career in tourism by engaging with school, TAFE and university students across Queensland.

Miss Holder joined 19 other Young Tourism Leaders from across the state in Brisbane on Tuesday. A Young Tourism Leaders Instagram account was also launched.

Speaking at the launch were Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones and Training Minister Shannon Fentiman, who highlighted the importance of tourism to Queensland’s economy and the importance of inspiring the next generation of tourism leaders.

In a Queensland Government media release Ms Jones said “Tourism is one of Queensland’s fastest growing industries. It’s vital that we inject new blood into our tourism sector to ensure we’re coming up with innovative new ways to lure visitors who stay longer and spend more in our state”.

Her appointment as a Young Tourism Leader caps off a busy month for 21-year-old Miss Holder, with the construction, opening and management of the new Mackay Region Visitor Information Centre located in Sarina.

“Tourism is such a dynamic industry to be a part of. Every day brings new and exciting challenges and it’s a dream to work in an industry as profitable, fun and sustainable as tourism”.

Miss Holder continued, “the two Visitor Information Centre’s I manage are the first point of call for nearly a million visitors a year to The Mackay Region. Along with my staff and volunteers we represent a $382 million a year industry”.

“There’s not too many other industries where someone at my age can work their way up so quickly to a managerial position. I hope that by becoming a Young Tourism Leader, I can encourage young people to look at a career in tourism and I can inspire them to become leaders”, she said.

Miss Holder was quick to point out the numerous opportunities available for young people to become tourism leaders.

“Tourism incorporates several industries such as retail, accommodation and transport. This means there is a number of pathways open for those looking to start a career in tourism”.

“Our two Visitor Information Centre’s in Mackay and Sarina, and the Mobile Visitor Information Centre are always in need of volunteers, so if you’re looking to become involved in tourism, represent our region and meet interesting people from around the world, then this is the best place to start”.

Information about volunteering is available at www.mackayregion.com/corporate/work-with-us or call 4837 1228.

For details on the Young Tourism Leaders program, visit youngtourismleaders.qld.gov.au or follow @youngtourismleaders on Instagram.

 

Contact: 

Daniel Brown - Communications Officer

0448 994 180

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Published: 27 July 2018