Less skin in the game for Douglas on new tourism board
Shire industry
A newly appointed Tourism and Events Queensland Board, said to be “regionally focused” and bringing new leadership and industry experience to help deliver Destination 2045 and grow Queensland’s visitor economy, has reduced Far North Queensland’s representation on the critical board.
Far North Queensland and Douglas and Daintree advocate Brian Hennessy is a board departure, and while Cairns Adventure Group’s Roderic Rees is a strong replacement, the departure of Duane Fraser, a Wulgurukaba and Bidjara Traditional Owner who served on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority board, the Reef 2050 Advisory Committee and the Tropical Water Quality Hub Steering Committee, reduces the region’s representation, and potential advocacy.
Experienced tourism leader John O’Sullivan has been appointed Chair to help drive the next chapter of Queensland tourism, bringing more than 30 years of experience across media, travel, tourism, sport and entertainment.
He joins the board along with Rees are Krista Adams, Jacob Cassidy and Damien Massingham, who bring extensive commercial and industry experience.
Kylie Blucher, Gert-Jan De Graaff, Robin Way, Justin McGowan and Patricia O’Callaghan will continue their service on the Board.
Together, the board brings expertise across tourism, aviation, events, marketing and hospitality to help deliver Destination 2045 and help cement Queensland’s reputation as the home of the holiday.
Tourism and Events Queensland is the state’s lead tourism and major events agency, responsible for marketing Queensland to the world and supporting the growth of the visitor economy.
State Government Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the board delivers refreshed regional representation and will provide strong leadership as Queensland delivered its long-term tourism vision.
“Queensland is the home of the holiday, and we have a clear plan to grow our visitor economy and create more opportunities for Queenslanders,” Minister Powell said.
“This Board brings new leadership and industry experience, while retaining valuable knowledge and continuity, to help us deliver Destination 2045.
“We want more visitors choosing Queensland, staying longer and exploring more of our state, because that means more customers through the doors of local businesses and more jobs for Queenslanders.
“I thank Grant Hunt AM for his leadership and contribution to Queensland tourism during his term as Chair and acknowledge all outgoing board members for their service to Tourism and Events Queensland.”
