On Friday 30 August 2024 the Board of Tourism North East confirmed the appointment of Mr Martin Pakula as incoming Chair, commencing May 2025, when the second and final term of the current Chair concludes.
Tourism North East Chair, Ross Passalaqua, said Mr Pakula’s appointment was an exciting and positive step for Tourism North East and for the continued strategic growth of the region’s $2.3bn + visitor economy.
Mr Pakula’s appointment followed a public process inviting applications and was overseen by an appointment panel.
“Martin was the standout candidate among a strong field of applicants and the Tourism North East Board is delighted to have a Chair of his calibre in this important role,” Passalaqua said. “His broad experience will be invaluable in sustaining and elevating the High Country as a leading regional tourism destination in Victoria, with a thriving visitor economy based on destinations of choice,” he said.
With a distinguished career in politics, including a four-year term as the Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events, Mr Pakula played a key role in attracting major sporting and cultural events to Victoria, boosting the state’s economy and global profile.
Mr. Pakula has a strong knowledge, understanding and love for the High Country. “As a homeowner in, and part time resident of the beautiful King Valley, I’ve spent an increasing amount of time in Victoria’s north east. More and more I’ve come to appreciate that Victoria’s High Country is unparalleled in its natural beauty, opportunity for adventure and thriving food and wine economy. I look forward to sharing my expertise in tourism growth and development to help the High Country’s visitor economy prosper” he said.
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Notes to editors:
Tourism North East is the peak tourism organisation for North East Victoria, the region known as Victoria’s High Country. It is one of twelve Visitor Economy Partnerships (VEPs) in the state.
Tourism North East is an independent non-profit organisation, formed through a partnership between local government, Alpine Resort Victoria, the Victorian State Government, and the High Country’s tourism industry. It is governed by a Board of Directors that has responsibility for developing the long-term and overarching strategic vision and direction for the High Country region, ensuring a platform for future tourism growth.
An independent Chair leads the Board, which comprises local government and alpine resort leaders, and a number of skills-based directors.
