Roslyn McLeod, OAM, Managing Director of leading Professional Conference and Exhibition Organiser, Tour Hosts was recognised on Tuesday, July 26 when she was presented with the 2001 Individual Award for outstanding contribution to tourism at the NSW Tourism Awards for Business Excellence.  

Roslyn’s career began in 1970 when she was appointed by the Australian Tourism Commission as its first Australian Japanese speaking tour guide. Her knowledge of Australia was already developing to a higher level at this early stage as she was responsible for showcasing Australia to Japanese media and tour wholesalers.

Thirty one years later, Roslyn has clearly been a leader in her field giving a huge personal contribution in time, energy and expertise as follows:

• President of the Association of Conference Executives in 1982 and 1983, Roslyn was awarded Life Membership for her contribution to the Association in 1995
• Counsellor and advisor to the Federal Minister from 1988 to 1991 on the Australian Advisory Council on Languages and Multicultural Education
• Board Member of the Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau from 1989 to 1992
• Board Member of the Inbound Tourism Organisation of Australia from 1989 to 1992
• President of the Meetings Industry Association of Australia from 1996 to 1998
• Board member of the International Congress and Convention Association from 1996 to 1998

Roslyn was recognised by the Minister’s Special Award for Contribution to the Industry in 1997 and in 1999 received the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division for service to the Tourism Industry. Roslyn said,

“It was certainly an unexpected honour and a wonderful experience to receive this award. I feel both humbled and proud to be recognised within our industry. As an individual I would not have achieved the successes we have without the collaboration and support from my family, staff and industry colleagues. This now gives me a huge responsibility to keep the momentum going!“