New Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista in ‘bold’ new era

MEET the Gold Coast’s newest tourism top boss who is backing ‘bold, visionary’ plans to bring visitors to the region. Find out what she has planned for the city.

THE city’s new visitor marketing boss sees no reason why Tourism Australia’s HQ is not relocated to the Gold Coast.

Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista began yesterday, backing “bold, visionary” thinking for big-ticket new visitor attractions.

Asked about longheld views by some city leaders for TA to relocate from Sydney, where it has 130 staff, she said: “Great idea, why wouldn’t it be here?

“It’s one of those bold ideas, a good discussion, why not?”

New Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista gets some sand between her toes at lunchtime in Broadbeach on her first day. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mayor Tom Tate and Destination GC chairman Paul Donovan have made similar calls the past two years.

Mrs Battista, who led a 70-strong team as the City of Perth economic development and activation director, said her immediate priorities were meeting her new 50-strong team and major stakeholders.

She sat on the fence when asked for preferences on hot-button debates including a cruise ship terminal, dive wreck and second casino but added: “You need to be bold and visionary and have these conversations in public and everyone have a say about what they might see as iconic landmarks and attractions.

Mrs Battista on the city theme parks: “I’ve watched with interest Dreamworld management’s effort to own some of the issues and rebrand. One of the lessons and outcomes is hopefully to turn it into an opportunity to be known for safety.” Picture: Glenn Hampson

“I’m not adverse to any of those ideas, I’m not supportive but I absolutely encourage that type of visionary thinking.”

Touching on 2016’s Dreamworld tragedy, she said the city’s famed theme parks were key to the value of the destination: “It is a great tragedy for the families of those who died.

“I’ve watched with interest Dreamworld management’s effort to own some of the issues and rebrand. One of the lessons and outcomes is hopefully to turn it into an opportunity to be known for safety.”

New Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista has begun her official handover process with predecessor Martin Winter. Picture Glenn Hampson

She beat 200-plus applicants for the job, getting the nod in June to replace CEO of 10 years Martin Winter. The pair have begun the handover, with Mr Winter staying on for several more weeks.

Mayor Tate is looking forward to meeting Mrs Battista.

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“Debate about new tourism product is fine but I am in the business of turning debate into action. We need a dive site, a cableway, an oceanside cruise ship terminal,” he said.

Cr Tate has previously backed TA relocating its HQ.

“We are the epicentre of Australian tourism. The least (Federal government) could do is set up a satellite TA office in Southport. I want Tourism & Events Queensland to also establish a significant presence.”