Cheers - That’s a Wrap

Building Momentum for our Future - Visitor Economy Summit

Our milestone event was the beginning of an exciting journey, one that will drive us towards a prosperous and thriving region.

Coming together as industry and community leaders with a shared vision, demonstrated strength in collaboration and genuine partnerships.

“What an eye opening event that showcased what the region will aspire to do in the next ten years. ”
— Sheri Adams ONE FOR MUM

Thank You

Our summit was more than a gathering; it was a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate and challenge ourselves to think bigger.

We are better equipped, inspired and empowered to contribute positively not only to the growth of our own businesses but towards the future of our entire region.

Our guest speakers created and delivered the magic. Bringing our vision to life.

‘Listening to incredible panellists like Simon Kuestenmacher, Megan Williams and Alysia Brandenburg gave the audience a deeper understanding of our region and the steps we can take to ensure success’, Courtney Walder, Sales & Operations Manager, SCA.


Let’s grow, together.

Our event was made possible by our generous sponsors.

  • Simon Kuestenmacher

    WORLD RENOWED FUTURIST

    A rising star globally in the field of data management and insight. He is the Co-Founder of The Demographics Group based in Melbourne. He is a columnist with The Australian and The New Daily newspapers. Simon is an engaging speaker who backs his opinion with data and evidence.

  • Karen O'Sullivan

    AWARD WINNING JOURNALIST

    Karen is a National Award winning journalist who worked in the Melbourne media for 28 years. This media extraordinaire is joining us as MC. Karen began her journalism career at Radio 3AW, before joining Channel 10. Most recently Karen spent 13 years as the 7 Network’s multiple award winning Health Reporter.

  • Megan Williams

    A LABOR OF LOVE

    The Camel Milk Co Australia, founded by Megan and Chris Williams in 2014, began with three camels on their Victorian farm. Inspired by wild camels in NT, they built Victoria's first camel dairy. They produce fresh camel milk, soaps, and other products, distributed in Australia and select countries.

  • Alysia Brandenburg

    TOURISM AND EXPERIENCE ECONOMY

    Alysia, with a lifelong passion for sustainable tourism, has vast experience in resorts, attractions, regional boards, and as Parks Victoria's Tourism Manager. She now runs a consultancy specializing in industry support, strategic planning, and partnerships. Alysia is a tourism award judge and board director, recognised as a leading industry expert.

  • Neil Morris

    CULTURAL PRACTITIONER

    Neil Morris is a Yorta Yorta lotjpa yiyirr and multi clanned First Nations custodian born raised and living on Yorta Yorta lotjpa woka in Mooroopna, place of deep water. Morris is a cultural practioner within the mediums of baiyiya - song , story and other land based practices known for his music under his project DRMNGNOW.

  • Chantelle Khan

    VICTORIA TOURISM INDUSTRY COUNCIL

    Chantelle Khan, with 19 years in tourism, excels in relationship building, trade distribution, and business development. As Member Engagement Executive at Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), she supports business growth. Her roles at Viator and Gray Line Australia earned her the ATEC Len Taylor Leadership Award.

  • Kristy Malapa

    INDUSTRY RELATIONS MANAGER

    Kristy joined Tourism Australia in 2017, acting as the key liaison between tourism operators and the organization. With a robust background in youth travel, she has held domestic and international roles, including managing Hostelworld Group brands for Oceania.

  • Charles Deuchrass

    GROUP MANAGER, MARKETING & PROGRAMS, VISIT VICTORIA

    Charles leads regional marketing for Visit Victoria, spearheading major campaigns like "Every Bit Different" and "Click for Vic" to boost the Visitor Economy. With 20 years in tourism and collaboration with Regional Tourism Boards, he inspires Victorians to explore their own backyard and support local tourism.

  • Grace Maynard

    VISITOR ECONOMY AND CLIENT PROGRAMS DIVISION

    Grace is a senior policy advisor at Austrade, working on the Visitor Economy Workforce policy team, supporting the delivery of THRIVE 2030. With eight years of industry experience, including roles at VTIC, Flight Centre, and a Master's in International Sustainable Tourism, she is dedicated to helping the tourism industry thrive.

Partnership Packages

Join the movement

We believe an effective visitor economy ecosystem takes partnership.

Our promise

  • We will advocate for the region and our partners to be recognised as a leading visitor destination

  • We will collaborate and engage with our partners, stakeholders, and community to deliver on initiatives that enhance regional growth, prosperity, and sustainability

  • We will promote our region as a visitor destination that will drive the visitor economy by leveraging the unique attributes of business, activities, and people of the region

  • We will focus on growing and promoting products and experiences that will grow target markets

  • We will continue to build a strong governance framework aligned with other Visitor Economy Partnership models