Young regional tourism leaders acclaimed

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THE Australia Regional Tourism Network (ARTN) TravelResearch.com Young Tourism Professional 2014 Award has been won by 28 year old Anna Del Rio from Coorong, South Australia, who was acclaimed for her community-building tourism approach.

Ms Del Rio received the award at the ARTN Convention in Port Stephens on October 23, presented by ARTN chairman David Sheldon and MyTravelResearch.com director Carolyn Childs.

Ms Childs told the awards audience that the judges had been “wowed by Anna’s can-do attitude in building tourism from the ground up in her region by engaging the broader community”.

“So many managers sit back and bemoan a lack of budget. But it seemed to spur Anna to greater efforts demonstrating the true spirit of local and regional tourism in Australia,” Ms Childs said.

Ms Del Rio said she was looking forward to using the momentum from the awards to increase the tourism potential of the Coorong District Council. She said that she would continue to work with the community and businesses to achieve sustainability and attract increased visitation to the region through a range of new initiatives.

“I feel very proud. I never imagined that I would be recognised in this industry for doing something that I love,” Ms Childs said. “I’m very proud of the Coorong too.

“A big thanks to MyTravelResearch.com and ARTN who made this happen and for being advocates for tourism development and attracting young professionals to this industry, which is what Australia needs.”

The five young finalists were Victoria James from WA, Anthea Hammon from NSW, Tash Wheeler from Queensland, Tim Witherow from Victoria and Anna Del Rio.

www.regionaltourism.com.au

 

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