Ancient Stories of Our Land by Jedess & David Hudson

CEO-Board Updates

Wendy Morris appointed to Board

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.

My 50th year in tourism also coincides the completion of my three-year term as TTNQ Chair. Before I retire and focus on my long-awaited travel plans I want to make sure there is a smooth transition process for the incoming Chair so I have put in place a plan to mentor that person over the coming months.

Port Douglas tourism identity Wendy Morris has been appointed to the Board and will take on the role of Chair at the October Annual General Meeting.

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.

A similar rigorous process is 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.

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.

Cheers
Max

Max Shepherd
TTNQ Chair