Andrew Williams has been appointed as CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia.
Williams, who has been acting in the role since January 2014, previously held the role of Chief Financial Officer for Voyages.
Chair of the Voyages Board of Directors, Lisa Gay, has welcomed the appointment.
“Andrew has been instrumental in the successful development of Voyages over the past three years and this, together with his many years of industry experience, sees him well positioned to take the business into the future,” Gay said.
“Andrew’s appointment is also a further vote of confidence of both the ILC and the Voyages Boards in the current management team and strategic direction of the business.
“Voyages is built on optimism, with the desire to bring the world closer to the spiritual heart of Australia,” she said.
Williams has more than 20 years international hotel and tourism experience in both hotel operations and investment with companies including Accor, Carlson and Dubai’s Istithmar Hotels.
“It is truly an honour to lead such a passionate and dedicated group of professionals,” Williams said.
“The entire Voyages team has demonstrated a singular focus on rejuvenating Ayers Rock Resort over the past three years and these efforts are now being reflected in the improving performance of the Resort.
“I look forward to leading the team as we work to establish Voyages as the leading Indigenous tourism operator in Australia,” he said.
It is an exciting time at Ayers Rock Resort with the recent announcement by Jetstar to increase flights to the destination, a number of upcoming major events and the imminent visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Major events include Tjungu, an Indigenous cultural festival, from 24-27 April followed by the Outback Fest featuring the Uluru Camel Cup Race in May and the Outback Marathon and an Astronomy Weekend later in the year.