A Reflection on Leadership

The tourism industry is going through a period of extended change with a number of outstanding individuals either leaving the industry, or moving on.

Destination Melbourne particularly acknowledges Wayne Kayler-Thomson and Sandra Chipchase. They are strong, passionate and visionary leaders who have made significant contributions. Their capacity to forge partnerships and sustain them has delivered great results for Melbourne and Victoria over the long term.

Successful partnerships are founded on the recognition that there is always more to learn. The moment we think we know everything there is to know about our partner, the risk of complacency and being taken for granted sets in.

As we lose two of our shining lights, we must continue to cultivate the spirit of co-operative competition and remain focussed on the big opportunities (and risks).

Building industry capacity; participating in co-operative marketing and supporting positive leadership are all part of the mix. The thing that will make or break us as a destination is our willingness to work together with an open mind and share objectives.

Melbourne may be Australia’s most popular destination, but there is still plenty of work to do. We need a strong and vibrant tourism industry in Melbourne and regional Victoria if we are going to realise our vision of becoming an outstanding global visitor experience.

This is a time to foster and cultivate strong partnerships and encourage commitment by our industry leaders to ‘pay it forward’.

Please consider how you can make a meaningful contribution.

Tags: Australia, Chipchase, Destination Melbourne, global visitor experience, industry, Kayler-Thomson, Melbourne, partnership, popular, Sandra, successful, tourism, tourism industry, Victoria, vision, visitor experience, Wayne