Andrew McEvoy has been appointed managing director of Tourism Australia (TA), the organisation’s executive chairman Rick Allert announced at Dreamtime 09 today.

New Tourism Australia MD Andrew McEvoy

Allert had been the acting MD since former managing director Geoff Buckley left the position in June and said McEvoy would be instrumental in the organisation’s success going forward.

“Currently Chief Executive of the South Australian Tourism Commission, and a former Tourism Australia Executive, Andrew returns to Tourism Australia at a time of great challenge and opportunity for the industry,” Allert said.

“Andrew’s drive, creativity and enthusiasm will be integral to ensuring TA continues to excel in its role in marketing our country as a travel destination around the world,” he said.

In addition to his current position in South Australia, McEvoy has previously held senior management positions with the Melbourne Convention Bureau and Ballarat Tourism.

His first foray into the tourism industry was with Tourism Victoria, which he joined after a career as a journalist in both Australia and London.

“Having worked across regional, state and national tourism bodies Andrew understands and is committed to the vital partnerships that ensure not only efficiencies in the way we market, but also in the services and insights we deliver to our industry,” Allert said.

McEvoy said he was thrilled to be taking the helm at Tourism Australia.

“It’s a great honour to be offered the role of leading Tourism Australia. TA’s work is vital to our $90 billion tourism industry and it, and its predecessor the Australian Tourist Commission, have long been rightly recognised as among the best in the world,” he said.

“I greatly look forward to re-joining the team at TA, and working with our industry to help drive customers to and through our magnificent country.

“The tourism industry is of enormous importance to our communities and our national economy and Tourism Australia plays a central role in the leadership and direction-setting for the industry… I look forward to doing my bit to help this vital industry grow and prosper,” he said.

McEvoy will take up his role at Tourism Australia in January 2010.