June 7, 2019
A man who spent 12 years building the Eumundi Markets into the biggest art and craft market in the country has been appointed as the new CEO of Southern Queensland Country Tourism (SQCT).
Peter Homan, who has served as general manager and CEO of Outback Queensland Tourism Association for the past five years, has been appointed to fill the vacancy left by outgoing CEO Mary Clare-Power.
Mr Homan was chosen from a field of 28 applicants and will officially assume the position on July 8.
While he was CEO of Outback Queensland, Mr Homan increased membership subscriptions by 88 per cent and sponsorships by 64 per cent, and added three council areas to the group’s membership base.
He also secured a $10 million infrastructure fund specifically for the outback, and increased visitation by an average of 11.7 per cent over the past three years.
Mr Homan told media he was passionate about ensuring SQCT directs its time and money into campaigns that bring a tangible return on investment.
“Capacity building, strong advocacy and collaborative partner relationships will be important as we move forward,” he said.
“My first priority will be to open up my ears and listen to staff, tourism operators, stakeholders and the community at large.”
In May 2017, Wellcamp Airport owner John Wagner formed the breakaway Darling Downs Tourism (Visit Darling Downs) after falling out with SCQT earlier that year.
At the time, Mr Wagner slammed SQCT in the media as an “absolute joke” and a “disgrace”, and suggested taxpayers’ and ratepayers’ dollars were not being spent wisely in the region.
The South Burnett Regional Council left SQCT three months later in August 2017 amid concerns the region derived little value from its $60,000 annual commitment to the organisation.
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