Visit USA Australia is pleased to announce two new appointments with Anne Lee (Travel Texas, GTI – AU/NZ Representative) appointed to the Executive role of Secretary while Christina Atherton joins as PR & Media Manager. In addition, Aida Osta now serves as General Manager, in recognition of her evolving role across Visit USA’s strategy, operations and stakeholder engagement.

As a long-standing committee member, Anne’s appointment as Secretary will see her oversee Visit USA’s organisational governance and the public relations function together with Christina. Currently Trade Marketing Director at GTI Tourism, Anne brings a wealth of industry experience to the position having managed campaigns for a diverse range of tourism destinations including Travel Texas, Vanuatu Tourism Office, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Bureau, Park City Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau and Palau Visitors Authority.

“Having previously served as a Visit USA committee member, it’s an honour to be appointed to the position of Secretary, especially at such an exciting period of opportunity and with the great connectivity from Australia to the US. I’m looking forward to working with the rest of the Executive Committee as we continue to champion the incredible work of members and trade partners,” she said.

Further bolstering the team, Christina’s appointment as PR & Media Manager comes following a competitive request for proposal process and will see her responsible for managing Visit USA’s public relations and content strategy, ensuring an open flow of communications between members, stakeholders and the Committee while continuing to grow Visit USA’s media profile and activities in Australia. 

With over 20 years experience in travel and tourism PR across in-house and agency roles, Christina brings expertise in destination marketing, content creation, media relations and social media management and has previously managed PR for brands including Singapore Airlines, Visit Victoria, AAT Kings, VisitCanberra, Sofitel Melbourne and Mirvac Hotels & Resorts and is currently Account Director at Eight Communications. 

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Visit USA team and look forward to working closely with the Executive Committee and our members to continue championing the United States as the premier travel destination for Australians. With so many exciting events on the horizon including our Thanksgiving breakfast and the Visit USA Expo’s in February next year, I’m excited to help the team continue delivering exceptional value to members,” Christina said. 

President of Visit USA Australia, Caroline Davidson, said “We’re delighted to welcome Anne and Christina, especially as momentum builds for our annual Thanksgiving breakfast in November followed by our eagerly anticipated major events, the Visit USA Expo’s in February. Having their expertise, passion and experience will no doubt help us to enhance and strengthen our commitment to our members and the trade.”

The new appointments complement the existing 2025 Executive Committee which includes President: Caroline Davidson (Visit Big Sky), Vice President: Belinda Harvy (Discover The World) and Treasurer: Millie Browne (Colorado Tourism Authority).

For more information about Visit USA Australia and its initiatives, please visit visitusa.org.au