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S i m o n M c A r t h u r

Curriculum Vitae

January 2015

Simon is a change agent that fixes problems and creates

opportunities in the world of tourism.

His specialty is reinvigorating or developing tourism in highly

sensitive, high profile areas across the world. He creates richer

tourism experiences that meet unfulfilled customer needs.

Businesses become competitively positioned to attract greater

market share and customer yield.

Simon is both creative and logical, moving from ideas generation

and market and financial analysis to full; implementation and

evaluation. Most people regard Simon as an industrious, committed

and passionate individual, able to motivate teams and lead by

example.

Curriculum Vitae: Simon McArthur (Jan 2015) 2

I n s i d e P a g e

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3

PRELIMINARY DETAILS 5

SUMMARY OF INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE 6

EXPERIENCE 8

AWARDS 21

COMMITTEE AND EDITORIAL POSITIONS 22

PUBLISHING RECORD 23


E x e c u t i v e s u m m a r y

D e v e l o p i n g n e w t o u r i s m b u s i n e s s e s

Simon’s core strength is in developing innovative product, strengthening

business performance and increasing sustainability. He has delivered this

largely through ecotourism and cultural tourism, but is also skilled at greening

mainstream tourism.

Simon has been a major player in the development and consolidation of

ecotourism across the world. He has developed ecolodges, ecotours and

eco-attractions in Australia, the Pacific, South and Central America. He has

been a major player in setting the standards for ecotourism, developing

ecotourism accreditation programs across the world and publishing widely on

ecotourism.

Simon has also coordinated many developments at cultural and historic sites,

which can be far more complex than natural sites. This area highlights

Simon’s skills in managing difficult approval processes and winning over

stakeholders. Demonstrating this has been the conservation and adaptive

reuse of several haciendas on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula as 5 start retreat

accommodation. Simon’s biggest project has been the transformation of

Sydney’s historic Quarantine Station into an 80 room hotel, conference and

functions centre, restaurant, immersion theatre and collection of dramatic,

interactive tours.

For more information, see

Project Director, Quarantine Station

General Manager Mexican Haciendas

Director, Missing Link

Developed Haciendas in Mexico

Developed ecolodges in Belitze

Re-developed Sydney’s historic former Quarantine Station into a retreat

R e i n v i g o r a t i n g m a t u r e b u s i n e s s e s

Simon sees and converts social trends into new tourism products that

reinvigorate business. In the 1980s he reversed the loss of young agile

adventure tourism markets by reinvigorating certain products into a blend of

soft adventure and ecotourism. He replaced part of the physical challenge

with the stimulation of interacting with host communities and learning more

about the natural environment in fun ways. Simon’s work resulted in

adventure tourism companies across Central America, South America, the

Pacific Islands and China benefit from significant increases in repeat custom

and customer loyalty.


Tourism and Natural Area Planner, Manidis Roberts

Other positions

Reinvigorated adventure tours in South America


T o u r i s m b u s i n e s s m a n a g e m e n t

Simon can take the development of a tourism business through its difficult

pre-opening, growth and stabilisation phases, until the business is ready for a

more mainstream ‘steady as she goes’ manager. His business acumen

comes from a combination of high level academic business qualifications and

a decade of business consulting and direct operational experience as a

general manager for 4 and 5 star properties in Australia and Mexico

respectively.


General Manager Mexican Haciendas

General Manager Q Station

Managed 74 room Q Station retreat, Australia

T o u r i s m M a n a g e m e n t

Simon is a bridge builder between the private and public sectors and non

government organisations. He is particularly skilled at forging relationships

between commercial and heritage / conservation sectors. He has assisted

develop tourism and visitor management policy, plans and systems for every

protected area manager across Australia, and in many developing countries

across the world. This work has helped government attract the private sector

to develop tourism in a responsible manner, and prevented visitors ‘loving a

place to death’.


Manager, Tourism and Economic Development

Tourism and Natural Area Planner

Other positions

Business Plan for dolphin interaction at Monkey

Mia, Western Australia


P r e l i m i n a r y d e t a i l s

N a t i o n a l i t y Australia

Present appointment(s)

Managing Director, Simon McArthur and Associates (Australian market)

[email protected] M 0427 240664 Skype s.b.mcarthur

C a r e e r g o a l : Assist people to recognise issues and opportunities, and empower them to make informed

choices that lead to greater social justice and sustainability

A c a d e m i c r e c o r d

• Associate Professorship – Hotel Management and Tourism

Blue Mountains Hotel School, NSW (2007)

• Masters Business Administration

Southern Cross University, NSW (2004 – 2006)

• PhD - Tourism and Visitor Management

University of Canberra (ACT) 1996 – 1999)

• Bachelor of Applied Science, Natural Resource Management

University of New England, Northern Rivers (Lismore - NSW 1987 – 1989)

• Higher School Certificate

Kingswood College (Box Hill, Victoria 1981)

C e r t i f i c a t i o n s

• Occupational Health and Safety for Construction Sites

• Liquor Licensee for Q Station, Responsible Service of Alcohol

• First Aid Levels 1 and 2

• First point of attack for fire and related emergencies

• Defensive driving in high risk environments

P r o f e s s i o n a l i n t e r e s t s

• Professionally 'greening' the tourism industry

• Effects of culture upon policy, decision making and implementation

P e r s o n a l i n t e r e s t s

• Exploring remote areas of developing countries

• Longboard surfing at uncrowded points (a passion)


S u m m a r y o f i n t e r n a t i o n a l e x p e r i e n c e

Caribbean 2014 – 2015 – Anguilla, National Marketing for Anguilla to strengthen the National brand and

competitive advantages, for the Anguillan Ministry of Tourism and Commonwealth Secretariat

2013 – Bahamas, Sustainable Tourism Model for Exuma Cays, for the Bahamas National Trust

Asia Pacific 2014 – Maldives, Strategies for the tourism sector to adapt to imminent climate change

2013 – Malaysia, Proposal for a Sustainable Tourism Model for Malaysian Tourism Hotspots

2012 – Thailand, Establishment of an Asia Pacific Network for Sustainable Tourism, for the

United Nations Environment Program

2011 – Tonga, Demand assessment and competitive analysis of surf tourism for Ha’atafu Beach

Resort, Royal Sunset Island Resort and Hellala Holiday Lodge, Tonga

2008 – China, Input into the development of a Sustainable Tourism Observatory in Huangshan,

China, for the World Tourism Organisation

2007 – Singapore, Nature Tourism product assessment for National Tourism and Park

Authorities

1998 – Vanuatu, Accreditation Program for Vanuatu tourism industry, Vanuatu Office of National

Tourism, AusAid

1986 – China, Product development for guided tours of the Great Wall, Hi Min Tours

1986 – China, Identification of alternative sites for visitation to the Great Wall of China and

interim measures for crowding at existing sites, Chinese Office of Tourism

South America 2009 – Peru, Capacity building in marketing for Peruvian tourism operators for International

Tourism Encounters, GTZ, htttpp://turismosanmartin.com

2004 – Venezuela, Tourism Investment Development Program for the World Bank

2003 – Venezuela, Development of 7 day ecotour involving helicopter drop off at Angel Falls and

hike down from crash site for Venezuelan ecotours

2002 – Venezuela, Visitor impact assessment of Mount Roraima, Canaima National Park World

Heritage Area for InParques

2001 – Venezuela, Keynote presentations and workshops for first National Ecotourism

Conference, and preparation of a project outline for developing a tourism industry capacity

building program for nature and ecotourism operators in Venezuela

1985 – Peru, Product development in the Amazon Basin, Guiding 2 day white water rafting trips

on Urabamba River, Peregrine Expeditions

1984 – Peru, Product development along the Inca Trail, Guide training in interpretation, Guiding

nine day treks around Mount Huascaran, Sherpa Expeditions

1984 – Peru, Product development in Peru side of the Andes and guiding various treks in Andes

foothills near Santiago, Explore


Central America 1994 – Costa Rica, Performance review of Rara Avis ecolodge, guided walks and community

development projects

1994 – Costa Rica, Product development for Tortuguero National Park and local villages

(guided boat trips, short walks and accommodation), Tikal Tour Operations

1994 – Costa Rica, Product development in Monteverde National Park for two day treks,

Saragundi Ecotourism Travel

1994 – Costa Rica, Guide training in interpretation for one day white water rafting on grade 4

and 5 rivers, Rios Tropicales

1994 – Belitze, Environmental management advice for expansion of accommodation huts,

Product development for one day guided tours and walks through forests, caves and villages,

Tree Tops and Pine Valley Tours

1994 – Guatamela, Tourism and visitor management strategy for the Tikal World Heritage Site

Other international 2013 – Cyprus, Sustainable Tourism Observatory, an interactive monitoring system

2013 – Israel, Review of tourism experience and interpretation provided on Old City of

Jerusalem, for the Israel Ministry of Tourism

2013 – Kenya, Review of the competitive strengths and product reinvigoration opportunities for

tented camp and ecotour operations in three protected areas of Kenya, Kenya Tourism Board

2003 – International Best Practice Guidelines for tourism and conservation partnerships for the

World Tourism Organisation

2002 – Arctic, Assessment of Draft LINKS Tourism Accreditation Program for the Arctic for the

World Wide Fund for Nature

2001 – Bulgaria, Italy, UK, USA, Mexico, Consultation and development of an accreditation

program for the worldwide Conservation Volunteers Alliance

2001 – Canada, Keynote speaker at the Travel and Tourism Research Conference, Canada on

Visitor Impact Management models, facilitation of workshops for Parks Canada on the

implementation of Visitor Impact Management models

2001 – Sweden, Advice and Keynote presentation to the Swedish Ecotourism Association to

assist with the development of an accreditation program for the Swedish ecotourism industry

1999 – 2001 Mexico, Conservation and adaptation of two haciendos into 5 star retreats

1997 – Switzerland, International Tourism Policy for the World Wide Fund For Nature, and staff

training in tourism management

1994 – Mexico, Performance appraisal of visitor management and interpretation themes for

Mexico’s Anthropology Museum

1985 – Yugoslavia, Marketing Strategy for an electric powered bus transit system within Plitvice

Lakes National Park, Yugoslavian Office of Tourism and Department of Environment


E x p e r i e n c e

D i r e c t o r , S i m o n M c A r t h u r a n d A s s o c i a t e s

www.smcarthur.com

Duration: July 2012 – Present

T h e b u s i n e s s

The business covers:

Diagnosis & planning

Reinvigoration & Development

Marketing

Sustainable tourism & adaptive management

Conference presentations and facilitation

A c h i e v e m e n t s – D i a g n o s i s & p l a n n i n g

Destination Management Plans for Moorabool (Victoria, Australia), Albury (NSW, Australia) and Wellington (NSW, Australia)

Strategic Plan for redevelopment of mountain bike trail network in Forrest, Victoria

Demand assessment and competitive analysis of surf tourism for Ha’atafu Beach Resort, Royal Sunset Island Resort and Hellala Holiday Lodge, Tonga

Business Plan and rebranding for Hamilton Commercial Business District, for The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce

Destination Management Plan for Moorabool Shire

A c h i e v e m e n t s – R e i n v i g o r a t i o n & D e v e l o p m e n t

Feasibility Study and Business Case for a new art museum in Shepparton (Victoria, Australia)

Feasibility Study and Business Case for a Cultural Tourism Centre in Ballarat (Victoria, Australia)

Feasibility Study and Business Case for reinvigoration of Coal Creek Cultural Tourism Attraction (Victoria, Australia)

Product Reinvigoration Strategy for Echuca Tourist Park (Victoria, Australia)

Product Development Strategy and Masterplan for Wonga Wetlands, for Albury City

Product Development and Feasibility Study for the introduction of a new accommodation and interpretive experience, for Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo

New art museum concepted and tested for Shepparton


A c h i e v e m e n t s – M a r k e t i n g

Rebranding and National Tourism Marketing for Anguilla to strengthen its competitive advantages

Marketing Plan for Noah’s on the Beach Hotel (NSW, Australia)

Interpretation Plan for Hill End Heritage Site NSW, for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

Brand developed for Anguilla

A c h i e v e m e n t s – S u s t a i n a b l e t o u r i s m & a d a p t i v e m a n a g e m e n t

Micro financial and insurance adaptive strategies for the Maldives tourism sector to adapt to imminent climate change

Sustainable Tourism Training Materials for Panama

Evaluation of new Tourism Observatory for Cyprus

Sustainable Tourism Model for Exuma Cays, for the Bahamas National Trust

Establishment of an Asia Pacific Network for Sustainable Tourism, for the United Nations Environment Program

Review of manual for protected area management across Boznia Herzegovina

Adaptive management strategies developed for The Maldives to deal with climate change


M a n a g e r , T o u r i s m a n d E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t S e r v i c e s

Newcastle City Council, www.newcastle.nes.gov.au

Duration: October 2009 – June 2012


Newcastle City Council plays the major role in stimulating economic development and tourism activity in the region. The

purpose of the Tourism and Economic Development Services unit (TEDS) is to identify, incubate and market initiatives

that maximise economic benefits for Newcastle. The major avenues that this has been achieved have been through:

Reducing impediments and creating stimulus initiatives that attract investors and developers to Newcastle

Managing grants and stimulus activities for community initiatives that stimulate local economic development

Marketing Newcastle as a conference and convention destination and bidding for major competitive opportunities

Developing and delivering events and bidding for competitive opportunities that stimulate visitation to Newcastle

Integrating the local tourism industry and marketing their product to the leisure market.

A c h i e v e m e n t s

Restructured Council’s 25 person Tourism and Economic

Development unit to a smaller, more market orientated and flexible

team, with salary savings reinvested into stimulus programs

Prepared a Tourism Development Plan for Newcastle to capture new

opportunities and reduce barriers to business growth

Converted the Local Tourism Association from government to industry

driven group, known as the Newcastle Tourism Industry Group

Transferred the operation of the city-based Visitor Information Centre

from a local government operation to one operated by the Maritime

Centre attraction, cutting Council costs and increasing visitation to the

Maritime Centre

Coordinated the development and implementation of 16 touch screen

kiosks across the city, providing continuously refreshed content where

visitors want to access it

Coordinated the development of a new brand for Newcastle that has

widespread industry support

Reformed the governance for six commercial centres from a local

government Committee to an autonomous and more flexible Business

Improvement Association model

Assisted identify location for a long term cruise terminal for Newcastle

Coordinated numerous destination marketing campaigns to attract

visitors, investment, businesses and residents

Brand Newcastle logo & tag line

Touch screen kiosks

Summer campaign that lifted occupancy by 15% in the lowest month of the year


D i r e c t o r , S t r a t e g i c P r o j e c t s

Mawland Group, www.mawland.com

Duration: March 2009 – October 2009


Mawland is structured to redevelop properties on protected areas and heritage sites into integrated tourism

operations, then operate the properties and offer consulting based on this experience


Acquired and managed over $1M in external funding to further develop

Q Station business into a position of excellence, including:

– $320,000 water harvesting and greywater recycling system within

heritage buildings

– $550,000 heritage conservation works to buildings, landscape and

infrastructure

– $130,000 adaptation works to create group accommodation and

classrooms

Scoped and coordinated modifications to the original environmental

approval for Q Station so that the business could capitalize on new

business opportunities and operate with less bureaucracy

Structured a proposal for NSW government to introduce a new tourism

transport system to heritage sites around Sydney Harbour

Assisted the NSW Government with pre leasing expression of interest

to lease Jenolan Caves Reserve and House to the private sector

Assisted the National Trust of NSW to adapt properties in the Blue

Mountains, to cover conservation and raise revenue for other

properties.

Water harvesting and greywater recycling system

Harbour Hopper tourism transport for Sydney Harbour

Leasing structure for Jenolan Caves House


G e n e r a l M a n a g e r , Q S t a t i o n

Mawland Quarantine Station, www.qstation.com.au

Duration: October 2006 – February 2009


The business activity we took over from National Parks was a fledgling tours and conference with annual turnover

of $100,000 and minimal awareness.

While conserving and adapting the site we added value to the tours and increased the price without losing custom.

In April 2008 we opened a 74 room retreat of refurbished accommodation, 10 conference and function venues, two

restaurants, visitor centre, immersion theatre experience, two paranormal tours and three educational programs.

The business employs 85 people, monthly revenue is $600,000 and year one forecast revenue is $7.6M.


The new business made its first monthly GoP 7 months after opening,

despite a State economy in recession and a national and international

economy sliding towards recession

Refocused business on residential conferencing as most immediate

and highest yielding business available

Structured Sales and Marketing Department to outsource conference

lead generation and public relations

Between Feb 08 – Oct 08 from a public relations budget of $70k

generated:

– 405 media breaks reaching 65.2M people

– $2.8M in advertising value and $8.5M in editorial value

During the first 18 months, tour revenue quadrupled through:

– An occupancy increase from 40% to 70% in 12 months, and

– average tour price increase from $28 to $40

During the following seven months:

– hotel occupancy was built from 25% to 52%

– hotel revpar was increased from $12 to $84

– average room rate was built from $118 to $176

– average daily conference delegate capture rate increased by 35%

– food cost reduced from 37% to 33% and beverage from 40% to 32%

– payroll reduced from 73% to 51% of revenue

Lifted occupancy from 25% to 52%

Increased delegate capture rate by 35%

Quadrupled tour revenue in 18 months

Reduced food and beverage costs by 4% and 8% respectively


S t r a t e g i c r o l e s

Coordinate business pre-opening, start up and consolidation

Build brand awareness and stakeholder support

Build revenue through residential conference occupancy then progress to yield growth

Contain direct and indirect costs while complying with lease obligations

K e y t a s k s

1. Business development and management

create and implement yield improvement strategies

create and implement cost reduction strategies

annual, quarterly and monthly reports to Board

budget setting and reporting

management of debt facility and reporting to Board

2. Human Resource Management

Oversee operations managers (S&M, Accountant, Hotel, F&B, Visitor Services, Property)

Implement induction program and monthly employee awards

3. Sales and marketing

strategic use in famils and media campaigns

introduce new product to further strengthen competitive advantage

oversee product improvement and reinvigoration

4. Stakeholder management

landlord relationship (National Parks and Wildlife)

Community Committee

media relations


P r o j e c t D i r e c t o r , Q u a r a n t i n e S t a t i o n R e d e v e l o p m e n t

Mawland Construction (NSW) www.qstation.com.au

Duration: September 1998 – April 2008


Mawland is a small, Australian owned company whose core business has been developing and operating hotel

management schools across the World. Mawland specialises in adaptive reuse - the conservation and upgrading on

historic properties for tourism uses that are in keeping with the former historic use. Mawland has adapted historic

properties such as Everglades Gardens and Lilianfelds Boutique Resort in the Blue Mountains, as well us the former

Bond Store in The Rocks. Mawland has operated resorts in Vanuatu and hotels in the Blue Mountains.

Mawland won the tender to lease the Nationally-listed historic Quarantine Station, a 65 building property on 30 hectares

of the Sydney Harbour National Park. Over 2000 to 2006 we endured extensive environmental assessments, lease

redrafting, financing and due diligence that resulted in lease activation in October 2006.

Between November 2006 and April 2008 we adapted the property to create a 74 room retreat, conference and function

facility, wharf-side restaurant, immersion theatre experience, paranormal tours and educational programs.


Created the successful tender bid against 12 other development

companies

Acquired Aus$10M debt facility for a lease-based project with complex

operating environment

Acquired Aus$0.75M in external funding grants to add value

Adapted 65 buildings through 225 development conditions with no

significant infringements

Achieved an environmental approval despite relentless local

opposition against government leasing

Introduced best practice sensitive design and operational

commitments within budget allowance

Introduced some of Sydney’s most innovative tourism product,

including immersion theatre, interactive tours and paranormal

experiences

Completed Aus$18M project within 4% of development budget using

contingency

Delivered 10 years of professional and personal persistence to take the

project from tender through to stabilised operation

Refurbished function rooms

Adapted Boilerhouse to a restaurant

Developed theatre performance in former

laundry and hospital buildings


S t r a t e g i c r o l e

• Project vision and tendering

• Debt and equity procurement, due diligence

- Multiple valuations

- Prospectus for investors

- Financial sensitivity analysis

• Community consultation and media management

- Lead media representative for company

- Public Relations Strategy

- Coordination of 14 on-site information sessions Information Kit, quarterly newsletters and website, presentations to government departments and special interest groups

• Environmental management

- Coordination of consultants for Heritage Impact Statement, Environmental Impact Statement and Species Impact Statement

- Representations (on behalf of the Proposal) to a Commission of Inquiry into the Environmental Impacts of the Proposal

• Budget management

- Five year and detailed first two year forecasts for accommodation, tours, food and beverage, conferencing, spa and education businesses

- Financial feasibility assessments (development costs and forecasts)

- Management of $17M budget, including cost report and bank drawdowns and associated performance reports

- $1.2M Preopening budget management

• Business development

- Coordination of product development, marketing and development staff

- Project direction of the development of accommodation, restaurant, conferencing, immersion theatre, paranormal tours, visitor centre and education programs

• Staff and contractor management

- Oversaw Construction Manager and multiple specific contractors, eg.

- $1.6M fitout contract

- $800,000 theatre production contract

- $400,000 communications and computer contract

- $250,000 visitor centre contract

- $200,000 Architect contract

- $200,000 environmental and heritage consultants

• Tourism planning

- Site Master Plan documenting proposed physical changes to the site

- Visitor Management Plan for managing public access

- Interpretation and Education Plan

- Integrated monitoring and adaptive management system

• Sales and marketing

- Sales and Marketing Plan

- Market research, customer monitoring

- Lead sales and marketing activity for tour products


G e n e r a l M a n a g e r o f H a c i e n d a s , Y u c a t a n P e n i n s u l a , M e x i c o

Starwood Group http://www.thehaciendas.com

Duration: 1999 - 2001


Hacienda San Jose and Hacienda Temozan are now operated by the Starwood Group as five star cultural retreats.

Hacienda San Jose was an old plantation once operated on the scale of a small town. We conserved and adapted the

property to feature 15 luxury historic guest rooms featuring high ceilings and sprawling beds surrounded by as authentic

a look as possible. We also restored an old wedding chapel and adapted the former factory building into a restaurant.

We also restored 15 hectares of historic gardens and grounds.

Hacienda Temozan was adapted to recreate the belle époque of the Mexican southeast. The main 16th century building,

surrounded by beautiful gardens, was adapted to create 28 air conditioned rooms and suites with exquisite details. Most

rooms have the name of the original use, ex: pharmacy, school, pay-house etc. All Suites feature 18-foot ceilings with

inside exposed beams and rafters; narrow, 10-foot-high, wooden double doors; massive iron beds and cabinets made of

dark, tropical hardwoods; cool tile floors; and large, bulbous pegs set into the stone walls for hanging the woven cotton

hammocks, for which Yucatan is famous, to allow our guests sleep in the Mayan Style


Concepting the adaptive reuse of two extensive former haciendas

(Mexican plantation) into 5 star cultural retreats that met high yielding

US and Mexican target market expectations

Project directing conservation and adaptation works within budget and

timeframe of two years

Coordination of pre-opening tasks within budget and time allocation

(including procurement and establishment of reservations system,

sales and marketing and recruitment and training of indigenous staff)

Establishment of three year forecasting, operational budget

management and reporting

Development of recreation and interpretation activities and

partnerships with local tourism operators that received immediate high

take-up and increased length of stay

Successfully introduce an average room rate of US$200 – 400 per

room per night between low and high season respectively

Hacienda Uayamon in Mexico

Room at Hacienda Temozan in Mexico


D i r e c t o r , M i s s i n g L i n k T o u r i s m C o n s u l t a n t s

September 1998 – March 2003


Missing Link was a partnership between Simon McArthur and Isabel Sebastian. It was a small business that linked

specialists in various fields of sustainable tourism to generate innovative work with real potential for implementation. The

business philosophy of Missing Link was to enrich tourism environments through a unique combination of strategic and

practical advice that leads to sustainable growth and a cutting edge for clients. In this context, sustainability is considered

as an integrated web of socio-cultural, environmental and economic dimensions in the operation of tourism businesses.


Tourism development

Development of ecolodge and butterfly farm at Chaa Creek, Belitze

(Central America)

Development of ecolodge and native plant propagation development

at Rara Avis, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Costa Rica (Central

America)

Development of tented camp and 2 – 3 day ecotours at Drake

Resort, Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica (Central America)

Ecotourism development for Myall Shores Ecolodge Resort

Ecotour development in Blue Mountains National Park for Bush

Limousines

Development of an eco/cultural/adventure tour tracking the crash and escape

of Jimmy Angel at Angel Falls, Canaima World Heritage Area, Venezuela

Development of Chaa Creek Ecolodge, Belitze

New eco/cultural/adventure tour for Canaima

World Heritage Area, Venezuela

Tourism development planning

Feasibility study for canopy walk in Victoria's Otway Ranges

Feasibility study for an ecotourism development proposal Barrington

Tops Ecolodge Guesthouse

Tourism redevelopment plan for Echo Point, Blue Mountains

Regional Tourism Development Plan for Barossa and Clare Valleys,

South Australia

Tourism Plan for the public land of the Otways Hinterland

Tourism Development and Marketing Plan for Far North Queensland

Tourism Development Options for Jenolan Caves NSW

Tourism Development and Marketing Plan for Eyre Peninsula, South

Australia

Tourism Development and Marketing Plan for Newcastle

Feasibility Study for canopy walk in Otway Ranges, Australia

Tourism Plan for Barossa and Clare Valleys



Business and marketing planning to increase viability

Business Plan for Monkey Mia Reserve, Shark Bay World

Heritage Area, Western Australia

Business Plan for Monkey Mia Wildlife Sailing Cruises

Feasibility Study and Business Plan to develop Naturewise

Ecotours for Conservation Volunteers Australia

Tourism management

International accreditation program for the Conservation

Volunteers Alliance (16 non government organisations

specialising in conservation volunteer activity)

Swedish Ecotourism Accreditation Program (Nature's Best)

Arctic Tourism Accreditation Program

Application of the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum to the

Australian Alps National Parks

Benchmark visitor impact management models across Australia

Indigenous Tourism Accreditation Program for Australia

Visitor management plan for Triplet Falls in the Otway Ranges,

Victoria, Department of Natural Resources and Environment

Policy and Strategy for Visitor Information, Interpretation and

Education across Victoria's protected areas

Business Plan for Monkey Mia, Australia

Assisted establish Naturewise (ecotours) for Conservation Volunteers Australia

Arctic tourism accreditation program


T o u r i s m a n d N a t u r a l A r e a P l a n n e r – M a n i d i s R o b e r t s

C o n s u l t a n t s

July 1995 – August 1998


Manidis Roberts is a leading consultancy managing change in environmental management. Based in Sydney, the

company undertakes work at the local, State, National and International levels. Core business has traditionally revolved

around various forms of environmental assessments and planning, underlaid with a strong emphasis on consultation.

During the three years of employment my focus has been on heading up tourism and visitor management projects,

particularly those with complex issues requiring significant analytical rigor.


Tourism planning

International Tourism Policy for the World Wide Fund For Nature

Funding partnership between the World Wide Fund For Nature and

ACCOR Homebush Bay

Environmental Management System for developing and operating

Novotel & Ibis Hotels, Sydney Olympic Park

Tourism Master Plan for Snowy Mountains Region

Accreditation Program for Vanuatu tourism industry

National Ecotourism Accreditation Program

Nature Tourism and Recreation Strategy for NSW protected areas

Tourism Strategy for Parks Victoria

Tourism Plan for Lord Howe Island World Heritage Area, Australia

Tourism developments

Adaptive reuse plan for the Adamstown to Belmont railway line

Feasibility assessment for the Cygnet River Cafe, Kangaroo Island

Feasibility assessment for the adaptive reuse of Mater Dei historic

buildings as bed and breakfast and restaurant, Camden

Development Plan for Cumberland State Forest

Tourism management

Tourism Optimisation Model for Kangaroo Island

Visitor Impact Management Model for 20 sites across Victoria

Visitor Impact Management Model for North Sydney Council

Social and Environmental Carrying Capacity for Jenolan Caves

Public Access Strategy for NSW protected areas

Charlotte Pass Visitor Management Strategy

Interpretation Plan for Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Greened the development and operation of Novotel & Ibis Hotels, Sydney Olympic Park

Developed Tourism Plan for Snowy Mountains, Australia

Reporting system from the Kangaroo Island Tourism Optimisation Management Model, one of the longest running models in the World


E a r l i e r w o r k h i s t o r y

Director, Questions and Answers Visitor Management Consultancy,

May 1990 – June 1996

Visitor Management Planner – Forestry Tasmania, Sept 1991 - Jan

1995

Interpretation Officer – Tasmanian Department of Parks, Wildlife &

Heritage, March 1990 – Sept 1991

Tour Guide Manager / Product development Coordinator (Central

America and South America) Peregrine Expeditions, several three

month stints: June 1982 – January 1985

Park Ranger – Victorian Department of Conservation & Environment,

(Point Nepean National Park, Victoria) Dec 1987 – March 1988

Horticultural Officer – Portsea Nursery (Victoria) Aug – Dec 1986

Landscape Gardener – Patterson & Associates Landscape

Contractors (McCrae, Victoria), May – July 1986

Picture Framer & Assistant Manager – Glen Waverley Picture

Framing (Melbourne, Victoria), March 1982 – June 1985

Barperson – Portsea Hotel (Victoria) Dec – Feb, 1987-88, 1988-89,

1989-90

White Water Rafting Guide in Central and South America

Cultural tour product development in South America

Ecotour development in Australia


A w a r d s

2014 Alumnus of the Year, Southern Cross University, for contribution to the tourism sector

2012 Government Communications Australia Best Brand Communication Award, 2012, for Brand Newcastle

2009 Australian Hotel Management Awards (Conference Facility and Four Star accommodation) for Q

Station Retreat, Manly

2008 Australian Travel Innovator Award (runner up)

Travel and Leisure Magazine, for Q Station redevelopment – Simon was the Project Director

2009 BRW Environmental Business Award (runner up)

For Sustainable tourism monitoring and adaptive management system, Q Station

2002 South Australian Planning Award

Awarded for the Eyre Peninsula Tourism Development and Marketing Plan – Simon was the principal tourism

consultant

2002 British Airways Environment Award Runner up

Nominated for development of Tourism Optimisation Management Model for Kangaroo Island – Simon

conducted the consultation, developed the model and reviewed its performance

2000 Royal Australian Institute of Parks and Recreation Award of Merit Awarded

For nature-based tourism research and tourism policy – Simon managed the research and consultation

process and co-wrote the Discussion Paper and Policy with Tim Gardner

1999 PICA Design Award

Awarded for design of rainforest brochure 'Discovering Tasmania's Rainforests: An Interpretive Guide'; and

for design of interpretation signs at Keoghs Creek, southern Tasmania – Simon created the concepts, wrote

the brochure / signs and coordinated their production

1994 Tasmanian Tourism Award (Major Festivals and Special Events)

Awarded for Veteran World Cup Orienteering – Simon was closely involved in organising event on behalf of

the Forestry Commission, it was at the time the largest sporting event held in Tasmania

1992 Tasmanian Award for Excellence (tourism marketing),

Awarded for Esperance Forest and Heritage Centre (Geeveston) – Simon designed and oversaw research

and evaluation which enabled the marketing of the Centre to be refined and improved, resulting in an

increase in visitation and visitor satisfaction - Simon's business Questions and Answers was commissioned

to write up the nomination

1991 Tasmanian Tourism Award (Sympathetic Environmental Design)

Awarded for rainforest walking track design at Sandspit Forest Reserve – Simon located and designed the

walk, which featured a new design for duckboard, bridges and viewing platforms and which integrated these

sections with tree fern pads, salvaged from logging coupes

1991 Nominated for PICA Design Award

For design of children's book 'Friends by chance' – Simon wrote the book and coordinated its production


C o m m i t t e e a n d e d i t o r i a l p o s i t i o n s

Board Member, Australia Regional Tourism Network (2014 – present)

Member, Critical Tourism Studies Asia Pacific Consortium (CTS) (2014 – present)

Member, The International Ecotourism Society (2013 – present)

Member, Australia Regional Tourism Network (2013 – present)

Member, Australian Marketing Institute, (2013 - present)

Committee Member, Newcastle Tourism Industry Group (2 years, 2011 – 2012)

Editor Journal of Sustainable Tourism

(7 years, 2003 – 2010)

Tourism Industry Reference Group Member, Brand Sydney (2008)

Tourism Industry Reference Group Member, Vision for tourism on Sydney Harbour (2008)

Tourism Industry Reference Group Member, University of Technology Sydney

(7 years, 2001 - 2008)

Expert Advisory Group Member, Sustainable Tourism Indicators Group, World Tourism Organisation

(1 year, 2003)

Committee Member of the National (Tourism) Associations Council

(1 year, 1998 - 1999)

Committee Member of the Tourism Council Australia Environment Committee

(3 years, July 1998 - 2001)

Secretary of the Ecotourism Association of Australia

(2 years, 1997 - 1999)

Executive Committee Member of the Ecotourism Association of Australia

(3 years, 1994 - 1997, 1999 –2000)

Editor of Parks and Recreation (National journal of recreation and park management)

(2 years, 1995 - 1997)

Sub-Editor of The InterpEdge (international journal of interpretation)

(two years, 1995 - 1997)

Vice President of the Interpretation Australia Association

(two years, 1994 - 1996)


P u b l i s h i n g r e c o r d

4 books

8 book chapters

41 papers

A full publishing record is available on request.

Simon has just finished writing two book chapters – one for an E-Book on protected area management for ‘The Protected

Area Governance and Management Book’, to be published by the IUCN, and one on carrying capacity for the book

‘Challenges in Tourism Research, Edited by: Tej Vir Singh.

cv simon mcarthur jan 2015smcarthur.com/tecset/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/cv-simon-mcarthur... ·...

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