New chair of Tourism Australia

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan has welcomed the appointment of hotel industry leader Michael Issenberg as the new Chair of Tourism Australia.

Mr Tehan said Tourism Australia would play an important role supporting our tourism sector as restrictions are lifted and international tourism resumes.

“Australia’s tourism industry is looking forward to the fast-approaching day when we welcome back international visitors,” Mr Tehan said.

“Mr Issenberg’s leadership will be crucial to promote Australia’s world-leading tourist attractions and entice even more visitors to holiday in our country

“He brings to the role a wealth of experience and great energy and commitment to support the industry and its 660,000 workers and businesses.

“I look forward to working with Michael and his team as Australia opens back up to the world.”

Mr Issenberg has worked for Accor for more than 25 years, most recently as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AccorHotels Asia Pacific based in Singapore. Prior to that he spent five years at Mirvac Hotels, including three years as CEO.

He holds a degree in hotel administration from Cornell University in the US and is a Lifetime Member of Tourism and Transport Forum Australia.

He was named Asia Pacific Hotelier of the Year in 2012, 2015 and 2019 in the Hotel Management Awards and International Hotelier of the Year at the China Hotel Investment Conference in 2014.

Queensland’s Annabel Dolphin joins the Board, Jeffrey Ellison will serve a second term as Deputy Chair, and John Hart has also been reappointed for a second term.

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