Australia, 4 February 2022. Elissa Keenan has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Ecotourism Australia after a competitive, three-month recruitment process which saw over 100 applicants vie for the position previously held by Rod Hillman. 

Keenan, who has more than 20 years’ experience in key executive roles, has worked across the private sector, aviation and tourism industries, peak bodies and government. She has also been a member of the Australian Tourism Awards Judging Panel and is a non-executive Director with Reefcheck Australia, an innovative citizen-science environmental charity.

Ecotourism Australia Chair, Dr Claire Ellis, said Keenan’s breadth of experience in the sector, solid business understanding and passion made her the perfect candidate to take the helm of the organisation.

“We are very proud to announce Elissa Keenan as our next CEO,” she said. “Ecotourism Australia has been on a substantive change journey for the last few years, and we look forward to Ms Keenan working with the board and staff to map out the next steps of this journey and ensure we continue to build on our collaborative work to bring benefits to our members and sector.”

Keenan said she is delighted to join Ecotourism Australia to lead the organisation’s next phase of growth, supported by a passionate team and motivated board who are committed to delivering genuine and sustainable ecotourism experiences.

“Ecotourism Australia has established a reputation as one of the most respected ecotourism industry bodies in the world and I look forward to building on the organisation’s foundational activities to deliver internationally respected programs, products and services while representing the interests of our members and partners and strengthening and advocating for this critical industry.

“Australia has iconic regions focused on the natural environment.  Delivering value to communities through sustainable nature-based tourism is more important than ever before. As our international visitors return, the interest in nature-based and cultural experiences will continue to grow. It is an exciting time to join Ecotourism Australia.”

Keenan will commence with Ecotourism Australia on 7 March 2022.