Tourism office changes guard

Six years after joining the Geographe Bay Tourism Association, chief executive Matt Walker will hand over the reins to attractions manager Simon Taylor in January.

Mr Walker told the Times he was stepping down to take up a position in a different industry, but would still be based in the region.

“I’ve been through a range of good challenges at the association and I’m proud of what GBTA has achieved,” he said.

Mr Walker named the introduction of ground handling at the airport, a range of new tour services and growth of online bookings as among his achievements with the association.

“There are plenty of things on the horizon for the association, including the Yallingup Adventure Park,” he said.

Mr Taylor said he was excited about taking over and believed there continued to be excellent growth in tourism in the region.

“Tourism is constantly changing and we have to continually adjust continue to push for the extension of the airport, to introduce interstate flights, and be involved in planning for the foreshore.

Geographe Bay Tourism Association chief executive Matt Walker (right) will hand the reins to Simon Taylor in January.