Australia's Trade Minister Andrew Robb
Australia's Trade Minister Andrew Robb attends the meetings for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii July 28, 2015. Pacific Rim officials meet in Hawaii this week for talks that could make or break an ambitious trade deal which aims to boost growth and set common standards across a dozen economies ranging from the United States to Brunei. Reuters/Marco Garcia

Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb announced industry veteran Tony South as the new Chairman of Tourism Australia on Wednesday at the Federal Summit of industry group Tourism & Transport Forum in Canberra. South will replace Geoff Dixon, whose tenure as chairman expired on June 30.

Owing to the long and successful career of South in tourism industry, Robb believed him to be the most qualified and well-deserved person for the post. “Having held senior commercial and executive roles across the Asia Pacific, Tony brings excellent skills and experience to the role of Chair. His long standing commitment to tourism means he will provide strong leadership to the industry more broadly,” Robb explained.

Tourism Australia aims at promoting the tourism stories throughout the world, thereby increasing awareness about campaigns like “There’s Nothing like Australia” and its food and wine campaign, called Restaurant Australia, he said.

Along with announcing the new chairperson, Robb did not forget to thank Dixon. “Geoff Dixon oversaw a highly successful period for Tourism Australia with numerous award-winning campaigns and record arrival numbers. He is to be congratulated for his significant contribution and I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

The appointment of South came as a surprise as there were speculations of Transfield Services Chairman Diane Smith-Gander becoming the next Chair for Tourism Australia. Robb indicated introduction of three new directors to the Board soon in future.

Tourism industry is one of the most profitable sectors in Australia after the deteriorating boom in the mining sector. South has worked as a chartered accountant for 40 long years in the tourism and hospitality sector. He has also served on the board of Tourism Australia since July 2014. He was also the chairman of the audit committee and has acted as an interim deputy chairman.

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