Founder of Touraust Corporation and ICMS, Darryl Courtney-O’Connor, has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his services within the tourism and hospitality industry.
Courtney-O’Connor founded the International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS) in 1996 which has since become an internationally recognised business college offering bachelor and master degrees which both include applied industry training.
He is also the Chairman of the Touraust Corporation, founding the Constellation Hotel Group with 12 country motels in 1986 which grew to over 60 hotels across Australia and New Zealand before it was sold in 2011.
“I’m very delighted to receive this prestigious honour. It really was a very big surprise and I’m humbled that my work with the Touraust Corporation and ICMS has been recognised on such a large scale,” Courtney-O’Connor said.
“The college is in particular close to my heart, as I can pass on my knowledge and experience to the leaders of tomorrow.
“I’m very proud of what we have achieved at ICMS and I think our strong international partnerships, such as with the Caesar Ritz College in Switzerland, and our various tourism and education awards are a testament to our commitment to furthering progress within the industry,” he said.
ICMS offers degrees in the areas of business management, event management, hospitality management, international tourism, property management and sport management.