THE Riverland’s peak tourism body recently unveiled its new general manager, with the new boss set to take over the reins next week.
Ben Patten will step into the general manager role at Destination Riverland (DR) starting next Wednesday, replacing Caroline Phillips, who has held the position for the past five years.
Mr Patten has previously worked with Accor Hotels across Australia, Indonesia and Singapore, and most recently was the sales and marketing director at national hotel management company 1834 Hotels, where he worked with the Berri Hotel and the Big River Golf and Country Club.
Mr Patten said the new role was a “great opportunity”.
“Having a broad hotel and tourism background, I was after a new challenge, and to be appointed to something like Destination Riverland is very exciting,” he said.
DR chairman Brenton Pankhurst said he was “excited” to have Mr Patten aboard.
“The DR board is excited to have Ben join our team and look forward to him collaborating with industry partners and key stakeholders to promote the Riverland and provide the best possible experience for our visitors,” he said.
Mr Patten said while the tourism industry was facing challenges due to COVID-19, he would focus on supporting operators and capitalising on opportunities for intrastate visitation.
“Helping operators maintain their resilience and work on their experience and offerings is going to be a key part of the role, but I also think there are opportunities for regions like the Riverland,” he said.
“A lot of the market for the Riverland is Adelaide and its surrounds, and that market is still travelling… I think there’s an opportunity there while not having to compete with overseas destinations.”
Mr Patten said he thought the Riverland was a “spectacular” tourism destination and that he was “looking forward to getting into it”.
“I travelled up recently for a father-son getaway and I thought it was amazing,” he said.
“Doing a canoe adventure up the Murray at sunset – I’ve travelled all over the world and that’s an experience that is very unique.”
Ms Phillips will step away to focus on her role as District Council of Karoonda East Murray mayor and her family farming operations.
Mr Patten will work alongside tourism co-ordinator Kate Gillespie at DR’s office in Berri.