A Familiar Face Takes Reins At Mackay Isaac Tourism

Mackay Isaac Tourism (MIT) has appointed its new interim Chief Executive Officer and it seems there’s no one more perfect for the job.

Natassia Wheeler will temporarily take the reins, drawing on her vast experience in the tourism industry while the Board recruits a new CEO following Tas Webber’s departure earlier this month.

Ms Wheeler has over 16 years’ experience in the industry, including her time leading Tourism Whitsundays as CEO over the past few years.

She says Mr Webber has left a legacy of dedication and passion and she hopes to build on his hard work.

“Tas has been a force in the organisation driving growth in visitation, length of stay, visitor expenditure, and dispersal to our region,” Ms Wheeler said.

“His leaving marks an end of an era.

“As I am stepping into my role as interim CEO, my main priority is to focus on ensuring consistency and continuity not just for the MIT team but also the MIT members and partners.

“During my time here in MIT, I would like to ensure that the region has a sustainable tourism base that is prosperous and progressive for the years ahead.”

Throughout Ms Wheeler’s 16 years in the tourism industry, she has gained a strong appreciation for the importance of regional tourism and recognises the vital role MIT plays in connecting visitors, tourism operators, and government stakeholders.

In a world where consumers want to travel for good, be closer to nature, attend world class events and enjoy the offerings of intoxicating food and wine, Ms Wheeler says the region has it all.

“There is a lot to love about this beautiful diverse region,” she said.

“Where else in the world would it take just five minutes to the beach and 40 minutes to the mountains?”

The Mackay Isaac region has already seen healthy growth in tourism experiences with the development of wallabies on the beach, the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail, Wildcat, and the growing event portfolio, and Ms Wheeler says experiences like these give the region a strong opportunity and future.

“As an organisation and community across the Mackay and Isaac areas, we need to work together to not only continue to build more experiences and products but support the ones we have,” she said.

“Tourism brings tremendous economic value to destinations, but it also touches and impacts several industries directly and many more indirectly through tourism spend.

“In addition, tourism is one of the important sources of employment generation in the Mackay Isaac region.”

Ms Wheeler is looking forward to attending the Mackay Beach Horse Races, the Mackay Festival of Arts, and the St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend over the next couple of months.

“One of the things I absolutely love is that the Mackay Isaac events calendar is jam-packed with amazing events,” she said.

Find out more about the diverse events across the region at www.mackayregion.com.au.

Ms Wheeler says the region has a lot to offer, all within easy reach of Mackay’s city centre

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