New Knysna Tourism Ceo
Shaun van Eck, current Manager of the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World in Port Elizabeth, has just been appointed as the new CEO of Knysna Tourism.
Van Eck was appointed as the Marketing Manager of The Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World in July 2000 and has developed the brand to being rated as the most popular attraction in the Eastern Cape. Prior to that, he was the Director of Tourism for Port Elizabeth, guiding Tourism PE to being recognised as one of the most dynamic destination marketing bodies in the country.
He was named the 1999 CTA ‘SA Tourism Marketer of the Year’ and the 2002 IMM ‘Eastern Cape Marketer of the Year’.
After graduating with a B.Comm from the University of Port Elizabeth, he ran his own marketing consultancy and started the Vodacom Splash Festival. He also presented shows on Algoa FM, with his Sunday afternoon show, The Laziest Show on Radio, becoming a firm favourite.
Shaun is currently a board member of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism and of ECTOUR, a private enterprise co-operative tourism marketing body with members across the Eastern Cape. He is also a past board member of the Indian Ocean Tourism Organisation, Sunshine Coast Tourism and PERCCI (Port Elizabeth Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
When asked how he feels about Knysna, he referred passionately to it as one of his favourite soul places. "I have always found incredible inspiration in my getaways to the town, and look forward to working with the excellent team at Knysna Tourism to develop and grow its strong brand. I am also a keen golfer, nature lover and camper, so am looking forward to moving to Knysna."
He was also a close friend of former Knysna Tourism CEO, Craig Nancarrow. "Craig and I shared overseas trips and always took time to study the success stories of each destination. We spent many days challenging the norm and looking for innovative ways to market our destinations, and I am very honoured to be able to build on Craig's legacy in Knysna."
Shaun has been married to his soul-mate, Bev, for two years and they have four children. "Bev has been the organiser of the Homemaker's Fair Expo in Port Elizabeth and she has great value to add to the area as well."
He will take up his appointment on July 1, 2008.
