TOURISM Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) has made the ideal choice by appointing the highly respected and Port Douglas identity Wendy Morris as their new chair succeeding Max Shepherd following the October annual general meeting. She will serve a three-year term. 

Ms Morris will join the TTNQ Board in June and will work with 50-year tourism veteran Shepherd – once her mentor – until he retires as chair in October to ensure there is a smooth transition.

“I am passionate about tourism and I intend to put my heart and soul into the role. I am also at a stage where I can cut back on some of my other positions to concentrate on this. I am looking forward to working with some great people,” said Ms Morris.

“Tourism is extremely important in our region and can support other industries; it employs a large number of people and is the driver of infrastructure.

“And I am looking forward to using my considerable and diverse experience – in tourism and outside of this sector – to good use when I assume the position as chair,” she said.

Ms Morris 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.

She will be entering the role at a time when TTNQ will have a new CEO on board. Shepherd said today a rigorous process is underway to replace Alex de Waal who leaves at the end of May.

“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,” said Shepherd.

“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,” he said.

Ms Morris 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.

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