It is now already quite some time into 2012 and the year is progressing very well for FACET. We have a new Strategic Plan which has been developed by the Executive ably led by Claire Savage and held our first Forum at DEC where Derryn Belford of Tourism Western Australia spoke on the State Government Strategy for Tourism in Western Australia, 2011–2020.

As usual we have a number of exciting events planned for 2012. There will be the usual forums including one on Trails, Colin Ingram’s account of his trip to Nepal, our annual Who’s Who in Tourism, and an International Forum on Cruise Tourism "Cruising Cash Cows: Perceptions and Misperceptions", by Professor Ross Klein, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada. In addition we are preparing for our Annual Conference, this year in Broome on People, Partnerships and Programs: Opportunities for Kimberley Tourism, which will be held on 29-30 August.

In addition to all of this we are celebrating our 21st birthday this year with a Dinner Celebration to mark the event, on Saturday 22 September. Please put this date in your diary now as we want to celebrate this milestone with all of our members, former members, partners, affiliates and friends.

As the year unfolds I wish to thank both the Department of Environment and Conservation and Tourism Western Australia for their continual support as our major partners. FACET could not operate as efficiently or effectively without them and so we are continually grateful for their direct and indirect support of our activities.

With warm wishes, as always.

Ross Dowling
Chairperson