Tourism professional Mark Olsen has been appointed CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ).
Currently head of tourism and property investment at Brisbane Marketing, Olsen will arrive in Cairns by the end of September before Pip Close departs the role on 16 October.
TTNQ chair Wendy Morris said the incoming CEO is very familiar with the region, having previously worked as the regional manager for Tropical North Queensland at Tourism and Events Queensland 20 years ago.
“He was the founding chair of the Savannah Way, served on the Queensland Heritage Trails Network Project Steering Committees for Laura, Chillagoe, Hou Wang Temple and Mamu Tropical Skywalk, and worked on experience development plans for the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics,” she said.
“As general manager of consulting at EarthCheck from 2008-2018, Mark worked extensively with the industry in TNQ, across Australia and globally in growing aviation access, experience development, design and delivery of major investments, and destination and experience marketing.”
Olsen said he is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the team at TTNQ.
“Tropical North Queensland has always been a global leader for creating new visitor experiences and leading the agenda on sustainable tourism,” he said.
“I’m excited by the opportunity to bring my experience from ten years at Tourism and Events Queensland and the past decade working with leading destinations globally that have embraced the TNQ approach.
“The global travel market is changing so rapidly, making it an opportune time for innovative regions like TNQ with its reputation for awesome nature-based activities, authentic Indigenous experiences and adventurous spirit.”
