Journey Beyond today announced the appointment of three prominent Australian tourism industry leaders Michael Issenberg, Giselle Collins and Andrew McEvoy as Non-Executive Directors to its Board.

Chris Tallent, Journey Beyond, CEO & Managing Director is delighted to welcome Michael, Giselle and Andrew to the board. “These three leaders bring considerable business, travel and hospitality industry acumen and outstanding professional and community credentials to Journey Beyond”, Tallent said. “Importantly, they bring a deep understanding of the operating environment and opportunities within the travel and tourism industry and are all equally committed to our passion and dedication to taking our guests beyond the ordinary and creating the most unforgettable moments across Australia's most iconic travel experiences.”

“We welcome them as they join Journey Beyond and look forward to their contribution to both our strategic direction and the exciting growth plans ahead for the group.”

All three board members have been selected for their extensive experience in Australian tourism and hospitality, aligning perfectly with Journey Beyond's position as Australia's leading provider of iconic travel experiences. They are well-equipped to endorse Journey Beyond's renowned Australian travel offerings both domestically and to an international audience.

Michael Issenberg is a Director of TFE Hotels and also a Director of the Star Entertainment Group, one of Australia's largest Casino and Integrated Resort operators and was the previous Chairman of Tourism Australia. Prior to this he held the roles of Chairman and CEO of Accor Asia Pacific, leading the group to more than 1250 hotels over his 26-year tenure.

Of his appointment to the board, Michael said “I am delighted to be joining the board of Journey Beyond.  As tourism continues to move towards experiential tourism, I believe Journey Beyond is ideally placed to capitalise on this trend.  I am looking forward to applying my expertise to assist the JB team in growing this successful and leading business.”

Giselle Collins is the Chairman of Hotel Property Investments and is a Director with significant executive experience in property, tourism and financial services as well as having worked in professional services with KPMG in Australia and overseas and at NRMA Motoring & Services as GM in charge of Treasury, Property, Holiday Parks and the investment in the Travelodge Hotel Group.

Of her appointment Giselle said, “Journey Beyond has a great business model catering for the growing trend of experiential travel in Australia.  The discipline and focus of the management team and the oversight and support of Crestview make it a formidable combination to grow successfully and in doing so provide its guests with incredible memories.  I look forward to being involved.”

Andrew McEvoy is the Chairman of Luxury Escapes and of Camplify. He is a former Managing Director of Tourism Australia and former Chairman of Sealink and Director of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia. He has over 25 years' experience in executive and non-executive roles in tourism, the media, digital marketing and e-commerce.

Of his appointment to the board, Andrew said “Tourism is one of the world's great industries. It is back on a growth trajectory and Journey Beyond is perfectly placed to capitalise on a global desire for exceptional experiences. I very much look forward to working with the team.”

The Journey Beyond Board will now comprise Brian Cassidy (Crestview President) Bradford Williams (Crestview Partner), Chris Tallent (Journey Beyond CEO & Managing Director), Michael Issenberg, Giselle Collins and Andrew McEvoy.

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Michael Issenberg
Michael is one of the most respected leaders in tourism and hospitality, with a reputation for operational excellence and the highest integrity.

As the former Chairman and CEO of Accor Asia Pacific, he led the group to more than 1250 hotels over his 26-year tenure, building a $4 billion business over 23 countries that was number one in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. With multi-national experience in the US, Australia, and Asia, he is an expert in mergers and acquisitions, having led several integrations for the Group. He is known for building strong teams and inspiring them towards a shared vision and is a lifelong champion of diversity and inclusion.

Michael is a Lifetime Member of the Tourism and Transport Forum in Australia and the Cornell Hotel Society. He is a former member of the global Accor Executive Committee, and previous Chairman and Director of Reef Casino Trust and Director of the A-HTrust, with a strong understanding of public company governance.

Michael has been recognised for his vast contribution to tourism many times including an esteemed Ordre National de la Legion d'honneur and Ordre National du Mérite from the French Government. He was named Hotelier of the Year 2012, 2015 and 2020 at the Hotel Management Awards and International Hotelier of the Year 2014 at the China Hotel Investment Conference. In 2020, he was presented with the prestigious Golden Horse Award as the Annual Influential Figure of Global Cultural Tourism Industry in China.

Giselle Collins
Giselle's past board experience includes being the Chairman of Aon Superannuation, Chairman of the Travelodge Hotel Group and Chairman of the Heart Research Institute, as well as having served on the Boards of BIG4 Holiday Parks, Vinomofo, ASX listed Peak Rare Earths and the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.

Giselle is currently Chairman of Hotel Property Investments (ASX:HPI) and soon to retire as Chairman of Pacific Smiles Limited.  She is also a non-executive Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee for both Generation Development Group (ASX:GDG) and Amplitude Energy (ASX:AEL). Giselle is also Chairman of the Responsible Entity for AMP's registered managed investment schemes and Director of Group Homes Australia Pty Ltd. In her last executive role she was responsible for performance of NRMA's portfolio of Holiday Parks and its investment in the national footprint of Travelodge Hotels as well as the property and treasury portfolio of the Group.

Andrew McEvoy
Andrew has over 30 years' experience in executive and non-executive roles in tourism, the media, digital marketing and e-commerce. He is the Chairman of Director of Lux Group (Luxury Escapes), Chairman of Camplify (ASX:CHL) and former Director of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia and of retirement and holiday park operator Ingenia (ASX: INA). He was also as the long serving Chairman of the SeaLink Travel Group (now Kelsian ASX:KLS).

McEvoy has held numerous senior management and director roles as part of his long career in the tourism industry, including as the Managing Director and CEO of Tourism Australia. During his time as Managing Director of Tourism Australia, McEvoy successfully led the Tourism 2020 strategy designed to double the value of the sector for Australia. He is a former Chairman and is a Life Member of the Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF).

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Images  |  https://journeybeyond.canto.global/v/VQOIEULFOM/album/IJ4E7?viewIndex=0

Media contacts | public.relations@journeybeyond.com.au

Cheree McEwin – Journey Beyond, Group Manager, PR & Communications
| cheree.mcewin@journeybeyond.com

About Journey Beyond
Australia's leading experiential tourism group, Journey Beyond, is privileged to operate 16 brands spanning the country, connecting guests to the land, and to each other. Headquartered in Adelaide, Journey Beyond formed in 2016 and now comprises tourism brands including: iconic trains The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern, The Overland; premium small-group outback operator Outback Spirit; eco-luxury lodge Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef; aquatic adventures Cruise Whitsundays, Rottnest Express, The Paspaley Pearl Farm Tour, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Darwin Harbour Cruises and Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney; our tallest members, Melbourne Skydeck and Eureka 89; the historic Vintage Rail Journeys and the Telegraph Station in Alice Springs.
www.journeybeyond.com