TOURISM Mount Gambier – the city’s peak tourism industry body – has welcomed Ben Deering to its board.
Mr Deering, who is perhaps best known by his moniker the “Tower Guy”, was appointed as an industry representative at the board’s annual general meeting earlier this month.
Mr Deering wears many hats, including Centenary Tower caretaker and New Venture Institute facilitator and has held an interest in the tourism sector for many years.
He has experience in the industry through a mixture of retail and corporate roles, culminating in managing Australia’s largest wholesale travel department in Melbourne (Infinity Holidays, part of the Flight Centre group of companies).
After a tree change enticed Mr Deering and his family to the natural beauty of Mount Gambier, it was not long before he could see ways to share his industry experience in the growing tourism scene.
“In Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast, there is an oversupply of natural beauty and geology you do not find anywhere else,” Mr Deering said.
“It is easy to take what we have for granted, but I intend to share a lot of our local area with the rest of Australia and the world.
“That first impression when you descend into a sinkhole or see the magnificent blue of the lake is special.
“It is something guests from overseas will share with their friends back home.
“I would like to do my part to help tell those stories.”
Tourism Mount Gambier chair Kent Comley welcomed Mr Deering to the board.
“We are excited to have Ben join the board, his experience in the industry will be invaluable to continue to guide our strategy,” Mr Comley said.
“He joins other board members who have experience in the industry and are passionate about increasing our visitor economy to the benefit of all of us who choose to call Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast home.”
