Choose Tourism Expo ringmaster, industry mentor and VTIC CEO Felicia Mariani: this month's Visitor Economy News Profile

Hot off the huge success of the Choose Tourism Expo Felicia says leading her membership-based organisation in the visitor economy seems to get more and more complex with each passing year with the tourism and events industry being such an exciting space to navigate.

"I wouldn’t change that for the world but the challenges that continue to permeate our landscape means we need to be a very nimble and responsive industry. And that’s where industry associations like VTIC become so important.

My role allows me to deep dive into so many critical and varied areas affecting the performance of our sector, and I love that the work we do hopefully creates a smoother pathway for our operators to get on with what they do best – creating magical memories for visitors to the state."

Here are Felicia's answers to the VEN profile questions:

Where are you from? I hail originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and will forever be a dedicated fan of my Pittsburgh Steelers.?Having said that, for the last 30 years, I have called Australia home, with most of those years in Melbourne. I’ve also spent time living in Sydney and in Hobart and have been grateful for the experiences in all these places that have helped to shape my life in Australia.?

How long have you worked in the visitor economy? ?Since arriving in Australia in July 1993, most of the past 30 years of my career have been spent working in the visitor economy. My roles in three states and at the national level have given me a broad perspective on this industry that I hope has helped to frame my contribution.

What you enjoy most about working in the VE? The doors that have opened for me over the years by working in this industry have been nothing short of amazing.?This industry has allowed me to visit places I would likely never have ventured to on my own, and experience events that I have felt privileged to participate in. Importantly, it’s allowed me to be part of a wonderful family of very special people that have become such an important part of my life.?

What are you looking forward to and why? After 30+years in the industry, I am really looking forward to watching the next generation of leaders take the reins and guide the sector into its exciting next chapter.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my roles over the years has been mentoring, guiding and supporting our leaders of tomorrow. It always inspires me to watch the energy, the passion, and the vision of our emerging leaders to take this sector to new heights as we respond to the ever-changing landscape and consumer expectations.

What’s your best tip, advice, or lesson learned for the visitor economy right now?? Never burn a bridge. Chances are, you will work in this wonderful sector for a very long time. Along that journey, you will meet lots of people who will continue to pop up in other roles across the industry that you will undoubtedly work with as stakeholders, sponsors and maybe even your boss. Your integrity in this industry is your stock in trade, and you need to fiercely protect that.? Be honest, be respectful, and most importantly be true to your word. These qualities will hold you in good stead as you navigate your career across our industry over many decades.?

How are you innovating to account for your workforce challenges? FLEXIBILITY IS KEY. We have a workforce at VTIC that spreads across a wide spectrum of the metro Melbourne region.?Providing the team with the flexibility they need, as well as knowing they are respected and trusted to get their jobs done – from wherever that may be – has been the secret to attracting and retaining a great team.

What essential goes in your suitcase when travelling for business beyond your phone charger??My sneakers….walking is really important to me.? It helps me to clear my head and to recalibrate after crazy days.

What is your dream/recommended location (where, what specifically and why) in Australia for:

-??? Hosting a team building event? Regional Victoria

-??? Holiday with family??Visit with my family in the States

-??? Sporting or cultural festival? Australian Open

You can connect with Felicia Mariani (GAICD) along with our previous VEN profiles including Jonathan Kobus, PSM and Kareena Arthy of the ACT Government, Jill Abel of the Australian Cruise Association, Elizabeth Hackett chair of the Australian Adventure Tourism (AAT) Group, Dr Elaine C. L. Yang of Griffith Institute for Tourism, Creative Australia's Adrian Collette, Intrepid Travel's Brett Mitchell, Accessible Tourism professional Yasmine Gray, IVS survey interviewer Erika Schwarz, Tour Guides Australia (former) President, Leanne Saward, Rugby great, THRIVE 2030 Implementation Advisory Group member Tim Horan, Ecotourism Australia CEO Elissa Keenan,?NT Visitor Economy Exec Valerie Smith, Founder/Project Lead at the Travel Better Project Emma Pethybridge, SE Asian focused Inbound Tourism Operator Doddy Purwoko, Stone Social Enterprise’s Vanessa Brettell, Vaycayit's Hailey Brown and Lisa McEwan, Hotel Etico's Co-founder and CEO Andrea Comastri, Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Assoc GM Kristy Ahrens, Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans, Executive Director of the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia Nicola Craddock, Outdoors NSW & ACT CEO Lori Modde, Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari Owner Tony Coppins, Executive Chair, Australian Chamber – Tourism John Hart, Indigenous workforce professional Sharon Ninyette, TAFE business development manager Paula Meyer, TRA tourism survey manager Bode Ten Buuren, regional tourism leader Coralie Bell, accessible tourism operator and advocate James "Buck" McFarlane, international education expert Karyn Kent and Aboriginal tourist operator Juan Walker.

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