Regional Tourism Advisor, Tourism Victoria

Tom Smith is currently Regional Tourism Advisor for Tourism Victoria. Tom is the founder of the highly successful Great Ocean Road Marketing program which established the Great Ocean Road as a must see Australian tourism destination.  Tom also created the Great Southern Touring Route, which is recognised as one of the most successful self-drive touring options in Australia, linking the Great Ocean Road with Ballarat and the Grampians region.

A former Chairman of the Country Victorian Tourism Council and founding Chairman of Destination Melbourne, Tom was recognised for his contribution to Victorian Tourism in 2003 when he was named Outstanding Contribution by an Individual at the Victorian Tourism Awards. In 2000 Tom was also awarded a Centenary Medal by the Federal Government for his services to Regional Tourism in Australia. Tom was also the founding General Manager of the Melbourne Aquarium and guided it through the major Legionnaires crisis, which hit the facility just 3 months after opening in 2000. 

Tom was a Board Director of Tourism Victoria for 12 years having stepped down to take up he’s current position.  Prior to joining Tourism Victoria Tom was also involved in the successful launch of Eureka Skydeck 88, Melbourne’s newest tourist attraction. 

Tom’s role with Tourism Victoria sees him providing Strategic Advise to the Chief Executive and the Executive Team on all issues relating to Regional Tourism in Victoria. In addition to his advisory role, Tom is also leading the introduction of Regional Tourism Boards across Victoria.