Tourism Australia, Australia's national tourism marketing body, today announced that Christopher (Chris) Maggio has joined as PR Manager, the Americas. In this role, Maggio will lead PR strategy and amplify media relations efforts in the US and Canada, continuing the strong growth in arrivals – both are up 9% year over year to March - and  the momentum of the Dundee Campaign. Working closely with Tourism Australia's Los Angeles and Sydney offices, Maggio will be based in New York near top U.S. and international media offices. 

With more than seven years' PR and marketing experience at award-winning agencies including QUINN PR and Grey Group, Maggio brings to Tourism Australia his expertise in driving high-level media and influencer relations, creative and business-driving partnerships and branded content initiatives. Most recently, Maggio was an Associate Vice President on QUINN's travel team, overseeing a range of destination and hotel accounts including the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Hangzhou Tourism Commission, and the opening of Honolulu's award-winning Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, to name a few. In early 2018, Chris was responsible for managing a philanthropic campaign, Million Smiles, for the Tourism Authority of Thailand in partnership with Operation Smile and its network of celebrity ambassadors including photographer/TV host Nigel Barker and actor Michael Trevino.

“In continuing our focus on the North American market, we're very pleased to add Chris to the team to continue building our presence and help lead strategic PR efforts to promote Australia as a top travel destination,” said Jane Whitehead, regional general manager, Americas, Tourism Australia.

Maggio joins Tourism Australia to work in partnership with the marketing and sales teams based in the organization's Los Angeles office, and will collaborate with industry partners to achieve the goals outlined in Australia's Tourism 2020 strategy.

“With the Dundee Campaign launch during Super Bowl 2018, now is an exciting time to celebrate Australia here in North America, and instill excitement about the adventure travel, culinary, cultural and health and wellness offerings and destinations travelers will find Down Under,” said Maggio.