Our Advisory Committee

Naomi is a research Professor and Director of the School for the Visitor Economy at Victorian University. Her Ph.D. investigated destination choice by school excursion groups in Australia. She is the coordinator of the annual Visitor Research Forum, Chair of the Council for Australasian Tourism, Hospitality and Events Education (CAUTHE) and an Executive member of the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC), and the ACT Branch of Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA). Noami’s research is concerned with learning and engagement and transformative experiences. This incorporates research in the specific areas of educational tourism, policy impacts on curriculum, and visitor research at cultural institutions and national capital attractions. It also captures emerging research interests in the application of social media, and strategies for engagement through AI and e-platforms (in teaching, tourism, and events). Other key areas are around workforce and wellbeing, management, consumer behaviour and marketing.

Debra manages the coordination of the Canberra Region Tourism Awards program and events. She has an extensive background in leading and inspiring tourism services in the Canberra Region. With over 20 years in experience, Debra brings a multifaceted understanding of high-quality tourism experiences from her various roles with major Canberra tourism attractions, including the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Questacon and the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Debra has thrived on working on exciting events such as Enlighten and the G20 Summit, through to major contributions to numerous successful Canberra Region Tourism Awards and the Capital Region Showcase. Debra is a board member of the Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council and holds a Post- Graduate Degree in Business Management from the University of Canberra. Debra is passionate about high quality tourism and event experiences as a way to increase and sustain tourism in the Canberra Region.

Ryan works in local government in the wider Canberra Region, leading Council’s initiatives in economic development, destination strategy, and tourism and performing arts marketing. His team has been responsible for a range of award-winning projects, with a focus on achieving long-term industry development outcomes.

With extensive professional experience in the accommodation sector in both metropolitan and regional Australia, Ryan has a passion for working with small businesses to explore innovative ways to connect and communicate with new customers and to develop and execute efficient marketing and distribution strategy.