Australian Tourist Commission appoints Partnership Development Manager - New Zealand

The Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) today announced the appointment of Karen Priest to the new role of Partnership Development Manager - New Zealand.

Ms Priest is currently Regional Sales and Marketing Manager for Mirvac Hotels and Resorts in Western Australia.

ATC Executive General Manager, Western Hemisphere, Andrew McEvoy said Karen would be a strong addition to the New Zealand team and would help to drive new trade and distribution initiatives in Australia's number one inbound tourism market.

In her new role, Karen will be responsible for managing and developing all aspects of trade and distribution development and partnerships for the New Zealand market as well as developing new business and segment opportunities to grow arrivals and improve yield and dispersal.

"With more than ten years experience in the tourism industry Karen's industry knowledge combined with her management, marketing, and public relations expertise is a welcome addition to the ATC team.

"Karen's appointment to the Partnership Development Manager role completes the new ATC team in New Zealand. Karen will join Danielle Archer, Marketing Coordinator, Victoria Park, Distribution/Partnership Development Executive who is replacing Debbs Cox while she is on maternity leave and Louise Friel, Finance/Administration Coordinator," he said.

The operational changes are in line with the ATC's strategic direction for New Zealand which will focuses on strengthening the ATC's partnership with trade and State and Territory Tourism Organisations and will also allow for greater funds for consumer marketing activities in New Zealand.

Karen will join the ATC in early December.

Karen joins the ATC from Mirvac Hotels and Resorts, where she was responsible for sales and marketing for three of Mirvac's regional hotel properties in Western Australia as well as all advertising and public relations.

Prior to Mirvac Hotels and Resorts, Karen held the position of Chief Executive Officer of Tourism South West, where she was responsible for the development and implementation of marketing campaigns and strategies, trade education and event management, media relations and membership recruitment.