Territory tourism heavyweights Paul Ah Chee and Penny Priest now chairing vital tourism boards

Two Northern Territory tourism boards are now being chaired by two industry heavyweights – and they’ve got big plans. Find out who.

Paul Ah Chee has been announced as chair of the Tourism NT board, while Penny Priest is now the chair of the NT Major Event Company board. Pictures: Supplied

Two Northern Territory tourism heavyweights have being given promotions and are now chairing two vital tourism boards - and they have got big plans.

Announced by Major Events and Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby, Paul Ah Chee and Penny Priest are now respective chairs of the Tourism NT board and the NT Major Events Company (NTMEC) board.

In addition to chairing the NTMEC board, Ms Priest is also the chief executive of Crocosaurus Cove and Fitzroy Island resort, as well the vice-chair of the Tourism Top End board.

Penny Priest, now chair of the NTMEC board, Laurie Zio Member of Fannie Bay, Minister Marie-Clare Boothby, Clinton Howe Member of Drysdale and Artist Hope D at the preview event to BASSINTHEGRASS 202. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“I look forward to collaborating with the NTMEC team and NT Government to continue delivering unique festivals and events that showcase the best of the Northern Territory,’’ she said.

Before becoming chair of the Tourism NT board, Mr Ah Chee was the director of the Alice Springs Desert Park, AFL Central Australia, and the South Australian Museum.

He has also been the Alice Springs representative for the NT tourism board of commissioners and chair of the Aboriginal Tourism Committee and founding member of the NT Aboriginal Tourism Advisory Council.

“We are on a remarkable journey to revitalise and grow our industry and the destination as a whole,” he said.

Alice Springs Desert Park Director Paul Ah Chee. Photo: Emma Murray

“Together with the board and everyone across the tourism industry, I am looking forward to reaffirming our collective spirit and further developing mutual understanding across the Territory.”

Ms Boothby called the appointments “the beginning of a renewed direction in strengthening the NT’s tourism and major events sectors.”

“With a revitalised and collaborative approach, we will target strategic markets that drive conversion and deliver real economic recovery to support the industry,” she said.

Both Mr Ah Chee and Ms Priest succeed Michael Bridge, who has been chair of Tourism NT and NT Major Events for the past decade.

Originally published as Territory tourism heavyweights Paul Ah Chee and Penny Priest now chairing vital tourism boards