There is undoubtedly excitement building as the Region's peak tourism organisation, the Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board, announces its new lineup of Board Members and the region’s first Tourism Industry Conference in three years.

The Board welcomes Marcio Oliveira, General Manager of Business Strategy at Samsonite Australia and New Zealand, Sean McDonnell, Director Customers and Government at Google Melbourne and Simon Westaway, Corporate Director at boutique strategy firm Royce. All have a close connection to the Mornington Peninsula and have welcomed the opportunity to join the team to drive the Mornington Peninsula’s Visitor Economy to new heights post-pandemic.

"The response to our recruitment drive was amazing, we had over 56 applications, and the calibre of talent interested in working with the region was astounding," said Roger Lancia, Chairman of Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board. He adds, "We took our time in appointing new Board Members; working with the local industry through the Victorian Government funded Local Area Action Plans to identify the skillsets needed to develop the next chapter of the local Visitor Economy. It is no secret the region's tourism businesses were hit hard by COVID and continue to be challenged every day through staff shortages which are also impacted by the lack of housing.   We welcome our new appointees, and they and the existing incumbents understand we have a significant job to do."

The Board is working on several projects due to be completed including the Workforce Plan, Destination Management Plan and Event Research. Mr Lancia explained that the Victorian Government offers great support for the Board with these projects all receiving funding from the various streams including the Industry Strengthening Fund, Workforce Development Program, and Regional Events Fund.

The welcomed support has enabled the Board to provide a recovery partnership, which was FREE to tourism businesses operating in the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston Local Government Areas in November 2021. Over 300 businesses across the region engaged in this program with feedback highlighting its positive impact.

The Board will proudly report on several other projects supported by the Victorian Government at the upcoming Regional Tourism Conference on October 26, 2022.   This forum will provide a valuable opportunity for the region’s tourism industry to hear about the progress of these projects including the Local Area Action Plans and the next iteration of the Visitor Journey Research.

Mr Lancia said “We’re looking forward to the Conference where we can take stock, look at where we have been, and focus on where we are going. The support the region has mustered not only from our State Government and local tourism industry but also our local, regular and occasional visitors has been truly incredible. I want to acknowledge everyone's contributions to making our place, our home, our workplace, somewhere people want to be. I am proud to lead the Board into the next chapter.”

The Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board is the independent peak tourism board and lead voice of tourism in the region, delivering robust and identifiably beneficial partnerships. MPRTB aims to balance environmental sustainability and destination growth.   You can find out more about them by visiting www.morningtonpeninsulatourism.org

About

Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board (MPRTB) works with local tourism businesses to build a

sustainable industry through destination marketing, innovation and advocacy.

MPRTB is the independent peak tourism board and lead voice of tourism in the region, delivering robust and identifiably beneficial partnerships. MPRTB aims to balance environmental sustainability and destination growth. Established in 2012, the MPRTB is a not-for-profit association governed by a skills-based board supported by staff and industry networks. Our role is to partner with industry and government to grow the capabilities and drive rewarding and lasting economic, environmental and social outcomes for the visitor economy.

Angela Cleland

Chief Executive Officer, Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board 0431 407 333

angela.cleland@mprtb.com