Beattie upbeat about tourism’s future

New CEO of Tourism Corporation Carmel Beattie , an Australian, met members of the media at the Tourism office on Tuesday afternoon with members of the Tourism Board, Tata Crocombe (Chairman),Robert Skews, Thomas Koteka, Te Tika Dorice Reid and Ewan Smith also in attendance.
Crocombe said the Board was delighted to have Beattie on board. There had been over 50 applicants for the job and there had been a rigorous selection process applied involving tests, interviews and reference checks. The Board was unanimous in selecting Beattie and she commences her two year contract in June.
Beattie said she would be spending the first week of June at the Tourism Corp roadshow in Australia to launch the direct flights.
Beattie said she brings nearly 30 years experience in the industry with her, her major passion being destination marketing (See separate media release issued by the Tourism Board).
She said she had not been to the Cook Islands before but had always wanted to visit. A friend had alerted her to the job. When she arrived in Rarotonga, she said she had a good feeling about the place and the people were friendly.
Since arriving she has had a series of meeting with staff and also industry reps.
Beattie said she is keen to work with the team at Tourism to establish the new roles and to develop the vision of the Board-to bring that vision to life by working with the industry.
Beattie comes across as energetic, passionate, full of enthusiasm, ready to get stuck in and very upbeat about tourism’s future prospects.

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