Newly appointed Ayers Rock Resort board gives thumbs up on achievements
The newly appointed board of directors for Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia has "thoroughly endorsed the achievements made at Ayers Rock" during their first board meeting held at the resort this week.
The Australian recently revealed the boardroom battle and sudden resignation of managing director Koos Klein, amid a bitter row about the viability and value of the resorts it manages.
The entire new board, including ILC Chairperson Dawn Casey, who joined the group at the resort, this morning released a statement about their "complete support for the management team" with assurances that the board of directors will continue to assist in ensuring that the high standards of service now present at Ayers Rock Resort continue well into the future.
Indigenous employees at the Ayers Rock Resort have risen from just two staff two years ago to 215 staff today.
"There is no doubt that the management has achieved significant success over the last two years," chairperson Lisa Gay said in a statement.
"I was most impressed with Ayers Rock Resort itself and in particular the achievements in indigenous employment, training and development.
"Indigenous employees have risen from just two staff two years ago to 215 staff today. There has been 47 graduates from the National Indigenous Training Academy and the indigenous tourism product on offer is outstanding," said Ms Gay.
"It has been very beneficial for the new board members to visit Ayers Rock Resort and see first-hand the stunning redevelopment of the Sails in the Desert Hotel, the completion of the new Uluru Meeting Place conference facility and the general high standards of service that is now on offer to guests."
Ayers Rock Resort was recently honoured with three Brolgas - the highest award from Tourism Northern Territory - in the categories of Indigenous Tourism and Luxury Accommodation for Sails in the Desert Hotel, and for Business Events for the Uluru Meeting Place. They are now finalists for the Australian Tourism Awards held in February 2014.
"The overwhelming feeling the board took away from their first meeting was a sense of incredible optimism. This is a place built on optimism, with the desire to bring the world close to the spiritual heart of Australia. Along the way it has become a symbol of optimism for the future of many indigenous people," Ms Gay said.
The Coalition had launched a review to determine whether Indigenous Business Australia and the ILC - worth a combined $3 billion - should be merged.
Source: The Australian, 6 December 2013
