Bob East Appointed Chair of Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Tourism Tropical North Queensland outgoing Chair John O’Sullivan, CEO Mark Olsen, and incoming Chair Bob East.

Bob East, former Chair of Tourism Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland, has been appointed Chair of Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ), following the organisation’s Annual General Meeting on 23 October. He succeeds John O’Sullivan, who completed three years in the role.

East brings extensive experience across tourism, accommodation, hospitality and destination marketing. He currently chairs Experience Co (ASX: Exp), Australian Venue Co, Leisure Accommodation Collective and the Gold Coast Suns. He also co-founded Mantra Group with a group of tourism operators, developing it into Australia’s largest locally based accommodation provider before leading the company through a successful Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) listing and its subsequent acquisition by Accor.

TTNQ Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen welcomed the appointment, highlighting East’s industry experience and acknowledging O’Sullivan’s contribution during a pivotal period for the organisation and the destination.

“It is fitting that we have a Chair with the depth of experience that Bob East brings in accommodation, experiences and global marketing to take up the mantle of TTNQ Chair after the great leadership shown by John O’Sullivan in his time as TTNQ Chair,” Mr Olsen said.

“John’s experience in leading one of Australia’s largest adventure tourism businesses with significant international exposure and operations in the region has been invaluable in steering TTNQ through the post-pandemic recovery phase as we reshaped the organisation to play a key role in the international recovery for Australia.

“I thank John for his keen insight and look forward to working with Bob as we navigate the highly competitive world of destination marketing with a greatly reduced budget.”

O’Sullivan described his tenure as an opportunity to work closely with the organisation’s leadership and team on behalf of its members.

“I have enjoyed my time working the Board, Mark and the broader team on delivering campaigns for our members. I wish Bob, Mark and the Board all the best for the future,” he said.

East also welcomed the opportunity to take on the position, recognising the destination’s performance and the collaboration underpinning its tourism offer.

“I’ve long admired the tremendous results Mark and his team have delivered,” he said.

“The region is known as a star performer across the nation. It’s the perfect blend of amazing natural beauty, incredible operators and a spirit of working together as a region.”

The AGM also saw two new members elected to the TTNQ Board from a field of seven nominations. Lisa Chambers, Chief Marketing Officer of Cairns Adventure Group, and James Coughlan, founder of inbound cruise operator Shorex Australia, will fill the two vacant positions.

Chambers brings more than 20 years of tourism experience, having led destination marketing, commercial growth and visitor acquisition strategies across Tropical North Queensland. Coughlan has more than 25 years of experience in the global cruise industry and holds contracts with the majority of luxury cruise lines visiting Queensland.

The appointments bring together experience in accommodation, destination marketing, tourism experiences and cruise operations at a time when TTNQ faces the challenge of competing in the international destination marketing arena with a significantly reduced budget.
 

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