Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia has conducted a ceremonial ‘Changing of the Guard’ as Matthew Cameron-Smith moved into the role as Chief Executive Officer, taking over from predecessor, Grant Hunt.
Hunt, who has moved onto the Voyages Board as a Non-Executive Director, has led the organisation across two separate stints dating back to 1996. His time at the organisation and services to tourism overall saw him bestowed earlier this year as a Member of the Order of Australia. In his most recent run at Voyages, Hunt oversaw the restructure of the business, which included rebuilding the executive team.
The visit to Uluru afforded Cameron-Smith the opportunity to meet the resort teams for the first time since flights to the Red Centre resumed earlier this month from Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide. The visit also allowed him to see first-hand the extensive refurbishments that have taken place at the precinct over recent months – all completed during the Northern Territory’s lockdown.
Works included a complete makeover on guest rooms and suites at the five-star Sails in the Desert. Elsewhere, the lobby, swimming pool and restaurant at The Lost Camel were also upgraded, while over at the resort’s camping facilities, the work saw the complete replacement of the toilet block and bathrooms.
Cameron-Smith joined Voyages after more than a decade with The Travel Corporation, where he led Trafalgar and AAT Kings guided holidays brands. His passion for Australia and its Indigenous culture also played a significant part in his former role promoting the country in a former role with Tourism Australia, based in the UK and Europe.