The man who will guide the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong’s tourism industry into 2021 and beyond has been appointed.

Bill Nehmy started as the region’s tourism development manager this week.

Mr Nehmy previously worked for Adelaide Hills Tourism and had previous experience with Great Southern Rail, the South Australian Tourism Commission and in the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory.

But his arrival in the Murraylands represents a return to his roots – Mr Nehmy grew up around Mannum.

“I’m excited to be joining the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong Tourism Alliance,” he said.

“The region has been earmarked as a home for iconic outdoor experiences and nature-based tourism, plus is now home to major tourism investments and opportunities that I’m looking forward to exploring more with key partners.”

His first priority over the next few weeks would be to get out and meet local tourism operators, he said.

He encouraged anyone in the tourism industry to get in touch.

Mr Nehmy will be based at Regional Development Australia’s Murray Bridge office.

Meanwhile, Murray River, Lakes and Coorong Tourism Alliance chair Ian Hill paid tribute to his predecessor, Julie Bates.

Her work had helped grow the regional tourism economy by $34 million over the past five years, he said.

Mr Nehmy described her as “a champion in SA tourism”.

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