News from the SATC

A message from the Chief Executive

After nine and a half years at the helm – and being a part of a record breaking, world-class tourism sector – now is the time for a new challenge.

I have been privileged to work with some outstanding tourism operators and industry leaders during my time at the SATC, and together we helped our state reach a record high $8.1 billion visitor economy, which created jobs and opportunities for thousands of people across the state.

I want to thank everyone who has travelled this journey with me, particularly through the more recent unchartered challenges of a global pandemic. I have met and worked with some truly amazing people, and I leave this role extremely proud of the many creative, innovative and passionate tourism operators.

Whether it be small family businesses, solo operators, international chains or start-ups, it’s been an absolute pleasure to be a part of this sector, and I will continue to be in awe of how resilient and talented it is.

I have been fortunate to have a great team behind me, and I’ll now take some time to refresh – and take a holiday in SA – before moving on to the next opportunity.

I will be finishing up with the SATC later this month. 

Rodney Harrex
Chief Executive

A message from SATC Chair, Andrew Bullock

SATC Board chair Andrew Bullock acknowledged Rodney’s significant contribution to the state’s tourism sector over almost 10 years.

“On behalf of the SATC board, executive and staff, I want to thank Rodney for his enormous efforts in leading the team, and for driving the growth of tourism in South Australia to a record high,” he said.

“Operators right across the state know what Rod has achieved over his tenure, that he’s always been available on the other end of a phone, and how hard he has worked to get the brand of South Australia out to markets far and wide.

“His passion, drive and insight has supported the industry through its most challenging times. It has ensured we are now in a very strong position to capitalise on opportunities and keep the momentum of COVID recovery going, as we grow our tourism sector even more in the future.”