Mr Sleeman is eight weeks into his role with Grampians Tourism following Will Flamsteed’s resignation in April. 

Mr Sleeman grew up in South Gippsland and has more than 20 years’ experience in tourism – both in the private industry and local government sector. 

He joined Grampians Tourism after almost eight years as the general manager for Tourism Kuranda.

“So far the support from the four local councils we are in partnership with has been great,” he said. 

“Together we are leading the charge to help bolster the tourism industry in the Grampians region.”

About 1500 people are employed in tourism jobs across the Grampians region.

Mr Sleeman said a big part of his role was continuing to attract visitors to the Grampians.

“Tourism is a leading industry in the Grampians and it is one of the fields that will keep young people in the region,” he said.

Mr Sleeman said he would use his experience in international marketing to raise the profile of the Grampians in Melbourne and Adelaide, domestically and internationally.  

“Chinese visitation contributes enormously to tourism in this region, contributing 10 per cent to inbound business – but I expect this number to rise exponentially,” he said.  

“We have already started rolling out training sessions to local business to be China-ready.

“This will help with nuances and characteristics of the Chinese visitor, which is different from that of a European or American visitor.”