TTNQ Chair Max Shepherd celebrates 50 years in tourism this year and is keen to mentor the incoming chair before he completes his three-year term and retires to focus on long-awaited travel plans.
“Wendy Morris has been appointed as a TTNQ Director so she can become familiar with the organisation and work with me to ensure the best possible handover before I leave,” he said. “Tropical North Queensland is undergoing a period of growth brought by new investment in the destination, opportunities for new flights and an increased profile through Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef.
“TTNQ is working with the industry to maximise the opportunities this growth will bring for the destination and our regional economy.
“It is important that we have a smooth transition for the Board as we guide the organisation towards its vision of being recognised by the global tourism industry as Australia’s leading Destination Management Organisation.
“Wendy has previously served on the TTNQ Board as well as the Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree, Tourism and Events Queensland and Advance Cairns boards and has long been a strong advocate for regional tourism promotion.”
Mr Shepherd said a similar rigorous process was underway to recruit a new Chief Executive Officer for TTNQ to replace Alex de Waal before he leaves at the end of May.
“Alex has left the organisation in a great position and the new CEO will receive a strong handover as well as the opportunity to work with me over several months before my departure,” he said.
“The future is very bright for both TTNQ and the destination and with the support of an innovative team and a strong board, the new CEO and Chair will inject fresh ideas and goals to take the industry forward beyond 2020.”
Wendy Morris graduated from James Cook University in Marine Biology/Zoology and was the founder of Reef Biosearch in 1986, the marine biologist-guided snorkelling operation aboard Quicksilver that continues to operate today. She has been involved in the management and marketing of a range of mostly family owned tourism enterprises in the region including the resorts now known as Rydges Reef Resort, QT Port Douglas, Ramada Port Douglas and Crystalbrook Lodge, as well as The Wildlife Habitat, Wetherby Outback Experience, Lady Douglas Paddlewheeler and luxury charter yachts.
Ms Morris served as Chair of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree and was on the board of Mt Emerald Wind Farm prior to its acquisition by Ratch Australia. Through family investments she has also been involved with various agricultural and residential property developments on the Atherton Tablelands and Port Douglas. Ms Morris is a passionate advocate for the region, and particularly for the Great Barrier Reef, which she continues to spend time on (and under) on a regular basis.
ENDS
For more information, contact:
Communications Consultant Liz Inglis
M: 0419 643 494 | E: [email protected]