Business Events Perth welcomes new managing director of Tourism Western Australia

Business Events Perth (BE Perth) has announced, 12 October, Carolyn Turnbull (pictured) as managing director of Tourism Western Australia (WA). Turnbull joined Tourism WA in October 2020 as executive director of industry, aviation and markets, where she led a network of international offices. This included the management of airline relationships and distribution channels. Bradley Woods, BE Perth chair, congratulated Turnbull on the appointment: “Carolyn’s experience working in international markets is incredibly valuable as we look to the future of our industry and the resumption of interstate and international travel, and we’re fortunate to have her at the helm of WA’s State tourism body as we navigate the ongoing challenges of recovery.” Turnbull said: “Pre-Covid, business travellers injected an estimated AUD$2.5bn (US$1.8bn) into the WA economy. As the world emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic, WA has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape our visitor experience.” Gareth Martin, BE Perth chief executive, added: “Business events such as conferences play a major role in boosting business tourism, trade and investment in WA’s economy, as well as supporting local jobs and creating an avenue for knowledge exchange and collaboration, and we look forward to continuing our close partnership with Tourism WA to bring these lucrative events to Australia’s west coast.” In the 2020-21 financial year, funding from the State Government through Tourism WA enabled BE Perth to secure 67 national and international business events in WA up to 2024. This is projected to boost the State’s economy by more than $54m. In addition, this funding enabled BE Perth to directly support the staging of 190 local business events, connecting more than 82,000 delegates across the State.