Journey Beyond has appointed 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 said he is delighted to welcome Issenberg, Collins and McEvoy 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 members have been selected for their extensive experience in Australian tourism and hospitality.

Issenberg is a director of TFE Hotels and also a director of the Star Entertainment Group 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.

“As tourism continues to move towards experiential tourism, I believe Journey Beyond is ideally placed to capitalise on this trend,” Issenberg said. “I am looking forward to applying my expertise to assist the JB team in growing this successful and leading business.”

Issenberg 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 chair and director of Reef Casino Trust and Director of the A-HTrust.

Collins is the chair 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.

“Journey Beyond has a great business model catering for the growing trend of experiential travel in Australia,” Collins said.

“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.”

Giselle’s past board experience includes being the chair of Aon Superannuation, chair of the Travelodge Hotel Group and chair 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.

McEvoy is the chair of Luxury Escapes and of Camplify. He is a former MD of Tourism Australia and former chair 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.

“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,” McEvoy said.

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).

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.

From left: Andrew McEvoy, Journey Beyond CEO & MD Chris Tallent, Giselle Collins and Michael Issenberg.