About the Speakers

Born and raised in Melbourne, Fiona spent many childhood holidays in Angelsea and the Grampians region. It wasn't until 1992 that she ventured overseas to France, and then to many other countries of the northern hemisphere, on annual pilgrimages in search of creative inspiration. Its this appreciation of both local destinations and international niche areas that Fiona feeds from to create an innovative Melbourne experience.

Her reputation in promoting local talent to consumers and tourism bodies encourages a fresh way of presenting retail, hospitality, and tourism. With an enthusiasm for small business and a love of the intricate history of her home town, Fiona having been the face of Hidden Secrets Tours since its beginning, took over the full operations of Hidden Secrets Tours in April 2006.

Visit www.hiddensecrettours.com.

Gino started his career with TAA (Australian Airlines/Qantas Airways) in 1971 and spent 22 years in various administration, retail, sales, operations and marketing roles.

In 1994 Gino was approached by Tourism Victoria to set up a joint venture company (Product Link) between the CVTC and MTA (MCVB) and manage the Tourism Victoria / Jetset Wholesale Partnership Agreement.  This was predominantly to ensure that there was both Melbourne and regional Victoria product on the shelves of domestic Travel Agents.

Gino joined Tourism Victoria in 1996 and managed Tourism Victoria's domestic wholesale partnerships ensuring that Victorian product was being promoted and sold via the Australian travel industry.

In 2006 Gino joined Tourism Victoria's Industry Development area to help develop & implement the Tourism Excellence program and is now project managing the Tourism Excellence Grants Program.

Visit www.tourismexcellence.com.au.

Jane Foley has over 25 years experience in the tourism industry. As Director Destination Development with Tourism Tasmania Jane worked with over 1800 operators and 29 local governments across the state in the promotion and development of many businesses. In her most recent role, prior to taking up the position with Tourism Melbourne in May 2008, Jane was General Manager Tourism with Forestry Tasmania, Jane was responsible for the performance and development of the Tahune Airwalk, Tarkine Forest Adventure, Forest Eco Centre and the Hollybank Treetops Adventure.

Jane is a strong advocate of the importance of good planning to support business growth. She has been involved with many tourism developments and strategies including the Tasmanian Food and Wine Strategy and Cradle Mountain Tourism Development Plan. Currently Tourism Melbourne is working on a visitor services strategy, a Volunteer management strategy and a sustainable tourism strategy.