Destination Gold Coast’s (DGC) Board has announced the commencement of a nationwide recruitment process for a new Chief Executive Officer to lead the region’s peak tourism and marketing body.
The Board has appointed an external contractor to manage the robust process which is expected to conclude within the next two months.
Recruitment will be spearheaded by a highly skilled five-member selection panel that boasts a broad range of leadership experience including executive recruitment.
Destination Gold Coast Chairman Paul Donovan said the organisation was seeking a leader to continue to elevate the awareness of the Gold Coast and champion the city’s tourism and economic recovery.
“The change in management and executive leadership will be integral in providing support to Gold Coast’s 4,600 tourism businesses to rebuild our $6 billion tourism economy,” Mr Donovan said.
“More than ever, our ability to attract domestic visitors followed by international markets now and into the future will directly impact arrivals to the city and therefore tourism recovery.
“Our data suggests that in 2020, COVID-19 will cost Gold Coast’s tourism sector between $3.3 to $4.3 billion, with a potential loss of some six to nine million visitors.
“The gravity of this impact to Gold Coast’s visitor economy and chief economic driver cannot be understated.
“It is therefore imperative that DGC is well positioned to steer the sector, so it can get back on its feet as quickly as possible when interstate, New Zealand and international borders open.
“We encourage senior executives from across Australia who possess the necessary skills to apply for the CEO position in the nation’s tourism capital.”
A key focus for the CEO leadership role will be to develop strategies and plans that deliver a strong return on investment that positively impacts the local economy, drives visitation and supports the social and cultural fabric of the Gold Coast.
Applications for the role of Destination Gold Coast CEO close on Friday, 11 September 2020 as advertised on SEEK, in the Australian Financial Review and on DGC’s website here.
