Andrew Williams has been appointed as CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia. Andrew, who has been acting in the role since January 2014, previously held the role of Chief Financial Officer for Voyages.

In announcing the appointment Chair of the Voyages Board of Directors, Lisa Gay, said:

“Andrew has been instrumental in the successful development of Voyages over the past three years and this, together with his many years of industry experience, sees him well positioned to take the business into the future,” said Lisa.

“Andrew's appointment is also a further vote of confidence of both the ILC and the Voyages Boards in the current management team and strategic direction of the business. Voyages is built on optimism, with the desire to bring the world closer to the spiritual heart of Australia,” said Lisa.

Andrew has more than 20 years international hotel and tourism experience in both hotel operations and investment with companies including Accor, Carlson and Istithmar Hotels (Dubai).

In accepting the role Andrew commented, "It is truly an honour to lead such a passionate and dedicated group of professionals. The entire Voyages team has demonstrated a singular focus on rejuvenating Ayers Rock Resort over the past three years and these efforts are now being reflected in the improving performance of the Resort. I look forward to leading the team as we work to establish Voyages as the leading Indigenous tourism operator in Australia,” said Andrew.

It is an exciting time at Ayers Rock Resort with the recent announcement by Jetstar to increase flights to the destination, a number of upcoming major events and the imminent visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.  Major events include Tjungu, an Indigenous cultural festival, from 24-27 April followed by the Outback Fest featuring the Uluru Camel Cup Race in May and the Outback Marathon and an Astronomy Weekend later in the year.

About Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia
Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) and manages tourism and resorts on its behalf. Voyages offers unique experiences and cultural immersion in spectacular locations around Australia including Ayers Rock Resort in the Northern Territory, Home Valley Station in The Kimberley in Western Australia and the Mossman Gorge Centre, in Tropical North Queensland.

One of the key responsibilities of Voyages is to promote and sustain eco tourism, protecting pristine sites for many years to come. Voyages works collaboratively with local communities to assist them to exercise sustainable environmental tourism practices, respecting and supporting the local Indigenous cultures and offering employment and training opportunities to the local and broader Australian and Torres-Strait Islander Indigenous communities

Profits from all business activities are re-invested in the Indigenous and resort experiences and through the various training and development programs in place around Australia.

About Ayers Rock Resort
Ayers Rock Resort provides a variety of accommodation from the premium Sails in the Desert Hotel, Award-winning Desert Gardens Hotel, self-contained Emu Walk Apartments, the authentic Outback Pioneer Hotel and Lodge and Ayers Rock Campground. Ayers Rock Resort is managed by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia.