The State Government of Western Australia has made significant changes to the Tourism Western Australia (Tourism WA) Board, appointing three new Commissioners and naming a new Deputy Chair. Effective immediately, Maryna Fewster, Hannah Fitzhardinge, and John Lee join the Board, which now totals ten Commissioners. Jason Waters, CEO of Perth Airport, has been appointed as the new Deputy Chair, taking over from Manny Papadoulis, whose term as Commissioner runs until June 30, 2027.
The new appointments come as part of a strategic move to align the Board’s expertise with Western Australia’s ambitious growth plans in aviation, premium events, and branding. The State Government aims to elevate the tourism sector to $25 billion in visitor spending by the year 2033, in line with its ten-year tourism strategy.
New Appointees Bring Diverse Experience
Each of the newly appointed Commissioners will serve a three-year term. Maryna Fewster is the chief executive officer of Seven West Media, while Hannah Fitzhardinge previously served as the Mayor of Fremantle. John Lee is recognized globally in the tourism industry, bringing valuable insights to the Board.
Current Chair Di Bain will continue in her role until 2028, while Christina Matthews, the former Australian cricketer and CEO of WA Cricket, has been reappointed for an additional three years. These leadership changes reflect a proactive approach in ensuring that the Board’s composition meets the evolving needs of the tourism sector.
Government’s Commitment to Tourism Growth
Tourism Minister Reece Whitby expressed enthusiasm for the Board’s new members, stating, “The WA Government welcomes the addition of Maryna Fewster, Hannah Fitzhardinge, and John Lee as Board Commissioners, enhancing our economic diversification strategy through tourism.” He highlighted the importance of these appointments in creating job opportunities and promoting growth across the State.
Whitby also acknowledged Manny Papadoulis for his decade-long commitment to the tourism sector, saying, “Manny has been a stalwart of the sector, and on behalf of the WA Government, I thank him for his tireless dedication and strategic contributions.”
The tourism industry in Western Australia is experiencing unprecedented growth, with a remarkable one million international visitors recorded in the twelve months leading up to October 2025. This surge underscores the critical role of the newly appointed Board members in driving further growth and expanding the State’s tourism landscape.
As the Tourism WA Board embarks on this new chapter, the combination of fresh perspectives and experienced leadership is poised to propel the organization towards achieving its ambitious goals, further enhancing the reputation of Western Australia as a premier travel destination. For more details about the Board and its initiatives, visit tourism.wa.gov.au.
