Julie Christie appointed to the Board of Tourism West Coast

Dame Julie Christie appointed to the Board of Tourism West Coast

Dame Julie Christie has been appointed to the Board of Tourism West Coast (TWC) as Development West Coast’s (DWC) representative. Her predecessor on the board, Margaret Grant, recently completed her tenure, serving since 2009.

Greymouth-born Dame Julie hopes to draw on her considerable business experience to help further grow the region’s tourism economy.

"Dame Julie joins the board at a really exciting time with the West Coast tourism spend now representing 16.6 percent of our GDP compared to a New Zealand average of just 3.8 percent. Dame Julie’s commercial experience and extensive contacts will make her a great asset to the board,” said TWC Chair Richard Benton.

“We would also like to sincerely thank Margaret Grant for her great work and passion on the board over the last nine years.”

DWC Chair Renee Rooney also expressed her deepest thanks to Margaret Grant for her valuable contribution to the board.

“With its untamed natural wilderness and rich history, the West Coast is such an attractive destination with so much potential. The Government acknowledged this potential with its recent investment of $87 million from the Provincial Growth Fund into tourism projects in the region.

“Dame Julie’s wealth of experience in governance, together with the business acumen she will bring to the role, will add real value to building on the success of our important West Coast tourism sector,” Mrs Rooney said.

"We look forward to seeing what Dame Julie can bring to the role and seeing the West Coast attract more visitors, more often, staying longer, and most importantly spending more to grow our West Coast economy,” TWC Chair Richard Benton said.

The Board of Tourism West Coast are: Richard Benton - Chair, Margaret Montgomery (Deputy Chair), Stephen Roberts, Alexander Tschampel and Dame Julie Christie.

END

© Scoop Media