Four new Directors have been appointed to the Board of Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) following the Board’s October meeting and Annual General Meeting.

CEO Alex de Waal is pleased with the new Board appointments of Professor Robyn McGuiggan, Gary Kerr, Michael Trout and David Breadmore, stating this will bring new energy and skills to the table.

“I am delighted to have fresh perspectives and experience on the board,” said Mr de Waal.

TTNQ Chair Max Shepherd said “Michael Trout will be the Tablelands Zone Director and has a strong involvement in the industry through his family’s businesses, the Mungalli Falls Outdoor Education Centre and Blazing Saddles, and as a board member and Chair of Tropical Tablelands Tourism for the past 10 years,” he said.

“His understanding of State politics from his stint as the Member for Barron River also will be of benefit to the Board.

“The Southern Zone Director will be David Breadmore who manages his family’s property Castaways Resort & Spa and consults extensively in the tourism industry with a career in marketing and general management roles spanning 20 years.

“Gary Kerr is the Director of Economic Development and Community Services at Cook Shire Council and has worked extensively in leadership roles in local and regional tourism organisations.

“Professor Robyn Mc Guiggan is James Cook University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Global Strategy and Engagement and Head of Cairns campus with research interests in consumer choice of leisure and tourism and small business management,” said Mr Shepherd.

Cairns Convention Centre General Manager Ross Steele has been returned as Deputy Chair and retains his role of Chair of the Finance and Risk Management Committee. They join Directors Janice Antonson, Michael Healy, Gordon Wellham and Russell Boswell.

“I thank the outgoing Directors who have stepped down after making a valuable contribution to the Board,” said Mr Shepherd.

“Cheryl Kelly was a Director for six years and brought a very good understanding of the small business tourism community to the role as well as enabling a close working relationship with the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) and the inbound market through her role with ATEC’s regional branch.

“Richard Blanchette was the Southern Zone Director for eight years and was a passionate advocate for that area who saw the benefit of a strong Tropical North Queensland (TNQ) region as a whole.

“John Lucas was a Director for four years and his corporate management skills as the Cairns Hilton General Manager contributed greatly to governance and the financial direction of TTNQ through his position on the Finance Risk Management Committee.

“Paul Fagg was the Tablelands Zone Director for two years and his strong knowledge of the industry on the Tablelands and development opportunities and processes across the broader TNQ region contributed strongly to destination development and regional planning,” said Mr Shepherd.