NSW Tourism Association welcomes former tourism minister as new chair

NSW Tourism Association welcomes former tourism minister as new chair
Edited by Travel Weekly


The NSW Tourism Association has announced the appointment of a new board of directors led by former state tourism minister Stuart Ayres as independent chair.

Ayres, a former NSW minister for tourism, enterprise, investment, trade, and sport, brings an incredible depth of experience and strategic insight to guide the association through a transformative time for the tourism sector, the association said. He also currently holds the role of CEO for the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW development industry body, a position he took on in May 2024.

Joining him is vice chair Lori Modde, MAICD FICDA MBA, current CEO of Outdoors NSW & ACT, who has been a cornerstone in establishing the NSW Tourism Association as a voice for the local industry.

With 30 years in the travel industry, her passion and dedication have laid a strong foundation for the association’s continued growth, the Association said.

The new board of directors 

  • Alexandra (Ali) Cassim – BridgeClimb Sydney, head of marketing, product, and digital
  • Cameron Arnold OAM – Regen Tourism, CEO and founder
  • Ian Wood – Merlin Entertainments, divisional director Australia & New Zealand
  • John Hughes – Luna Park Sydney, CEO
  • Josh Dolgoy – Royal Caribbean Group, head of government relations Oceania
  • Ken Corbett – Australian Attractions, managing director
  • Nick Lester – Sealink Marine & Tourism, general manager Sydney Harbour

NSW Tourism Association is a representative body for all tourism businesses within the state with a focus on business development and providing a voice on issues important to the NSW visitor economy. The association said the new board is committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities ahead, with priorities including:

  • Boosting visitor numbers and spend across NSW
  • Supporting vibrant regional tourism and sustainable practices
  • Enhancing collaboration across the sector

“There has never been a more important time for the tourism industry to have a strong and passionate voice in NSW,” Ayres said. “I look forward to working with our dedicated management team and directors in support of visitor economy businesses across the state.”

Modde expressed her enthusiasm for the new role and the Association.

“It has been a privilege to help establish the NSW Tourism Association,” Modde said. “I am excited to continue working alongside this outstanding board to support operators and communities across the state.”

CEO Natalie Godward said: “The calibre of our new board is unmatched. Their collective insights will be instrumental as we champion tourism across NSW.

“We are inspired by the leadership and vision of this extraordinary team and are ready to tackle the future, fostering growth, sustainability, and innovation for the benefit of all.

“Let’s work together to make NSW the ultimate destination for visitors, creating lasting impacts for our communities and the economy.”

Feature image: Former NSW minister for tourism, Stuart Ayres. 

Latest News

  • Famil

TravHost launches expert hosting service to transform industry famils

TravHost offers a pioneering service bridging the gap between media professionals, travel agents and tourism organisations, addressing the demand for exceptional famil hosts. Founded by seasoned travel media professionals Fiona Harper and Carolyne Jasinski, TravHost is poised to revolutionise the way tourism organisations and travel companies approach famils. With decades of experience in tourism and […]

  • Tour Operators
  • Travel Agents

Book big and bag a spot of the TTC Tour Brand’s Top Achievers’ Famil

TTC Tour Brands’ Top Achievers Famil incentive is back, rewarding top-selling agents with the chance to embark on an unforgettable trip to a destination that remains a secret – for now. Agents who have sold any Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Costsaver and Contiki, from 1 December 2024 to 14 March 2025, go into the […]

  • Business Travel
  • Conferences

New Zealand International Convention Centre to open in February 2026

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has announced it is opening its doors to New Zealand and world conferences and events in February 2026. The long-awaited NZICC is set to transform New Zealand’s conference and events industry, boosting visitation and the wider economy with its world-class facilities. Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, […]

  • Cruise
  • Events

AmaWaterways invites AU/NZ travel trade to An Evening with AmaWaterways events

AmaWaterways has announced the dates of its upcoming An Evening with AmaWaterways events for travel advisors, just over a year after it entered the Australian and New Zealand markets. Dedicated to travel advisors, the events will be held in six cities and will be hosted by AmaWaterways’ regional sales managers, plus feature a presentation from […]

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

Mooloolaba cruise season boosts Sunshine Coast tourism and trade

Mooloolaba is set to welcome a series of cruise ships through February and March 2025, significantly boosting local businesses and tourism to the Sunshine Coast. Their arrival is expected to create a vibrant atmosphere and provide a substantial economic uplift to the region. Viking Sky kicks off the season on Sunday 8 February, with 930 […]

  • Food & Beverage

Little Pete Brewing opens first of its kind open-air bar

Little Pete Brewing has opened a new open-air bar at 543 Step Rd, Langhorne Creek, a must-visit South Australia destination for a drink with a view. The first-of-its-kind open-air bar sits on 8ha, surrounded by vineyards and paddocks, with the Bremer River flowing nearby and framed by majestic ancient river red gums. “We always felt […]

  • Events

CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025

CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025 with a one-of-a-kind activation that showcases their world-class event capabilities to inspire event planners and decision-makers. CENTREPIECE is located in the heart of Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Victoria’s epicentre for live sports and entertainment and home to world-renowned venues including Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, […]

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

NYC Tourism + Conventions announces two exciting new events

NYC Tourism + Conventions has announced ‘NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025’ and ‘Value Family Activities’ events lined up for this year. NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025 2-for-1 ticket sales for this event have begun with this season’s program featuring 29 Off-Broadway performances, including 18 new participants. The twice-yearly program runs from 17 February through 9 March with […]

  • Events
  • Tourism

Jeju wins bid to host 2028 Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has successfully secured the 14th Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference (APMC14) for Jeju in November 2028. This was achieved in partnership with the Korean Society of Microscopy, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Convention Bureau, and Jeju International Convention Center. Korea was selected as the final host after strong competition at the 13th […]

  • Cruise
  • Food & Beverage

Oceania Cruises sets new standard for onboard dining: one chef for every 10 guests

Oceania Cruises, renowned for The Finest Cuisine at Sea, has set a new standard for onboard dining with an exquisite new menu evolution in The Grand Dining Room. Launching on its newest 1,200-guest ship, Allura, in July 2025, the reimagined menus introduce over 270 brand-new recipes, from curated Signature Eggs Benedict breakfast selection to a chic French […]