THE new chief executive officer of Connecting Southern Gold Coast has the experience that comes from a long career in the tourism industry.

Peter Doggett, who started as CEO today, was a consultant to the group for three years and had a 30-year career with Village Roadshow Theme Parks.

Mr Doggett said he was looking forward to the challenge of the new role.

"This is a particularly favourite part of the Gold Coast for me, with its natural attractions encompassing the diverse landscape, lifestyle and pristine surfing beaches," Mr Doggett said.

"Additionally, the region boasts major successful businesses including Gold Coast Airport, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin RSL, John Flynn Private Hospital and Southern Cross University.

"Importantly there are eight surf life saving clubs, which further reflect and enhance the significance of the popular surfing culture of the area."

CSGC chairman Michael Tree said the group will benefit from this appointment.

"With Peter's appointment, we share the benefit of his extensive network of contacts both domestically and internationally," he said.

"His responsibilities will be to maximise economic development opportunities in the four key areas of Education and Allied Health, Fly In Fly Out, Tourism & Hospitality and Culture & Festivals, to support our already highly successful Bleach Festival and Cooly Rocks On, plus the well-established Swell Sculpture Festival."