This week RDAEP welcomed Annabelle Hender, who follows in the footsteps of Sondra Stewart as Tourism Development Manager for the Eyre Peninsula. Annabelle brings to the role 20 years of experience in the tourism industry and a passion for sustainability. Her previous experience includes destination marketing for US tourism boards, B2B marketing for an Online Travel Agent and Tourism Development Advisor within the Solomon Islands. Annabelle recently completed a Master of Sustainable Tourism, which adds to her Bachelor of Cultural Tourism degree achieved early in her career. In 2021 Annabelle was awarded a research scholarship by Central Queensland University, which facilitated her research of sustainable management of whale shark tourism in three case study countries. For the past six months Annabelle has taken distance education quite literally as she completed her academic pursuits while travelling Australia in a campervan aptly named Mr Percival.

Originally from Strathalbyn, after several years living abroad and interstate, Annabelle reclaims her status as a South Aussie with her relocation to Port Lincoln.  As a lover of the outdoors, stand up paddle boarding and seafood, we think Annabelle will be right at home in the region.  We welcome Annabelle to the Eyre Peninsula.