New CEO appointed to drive visitors to Outback Queensland
Outback Queensland Tourism Association has appointed Ms Denise Brown as the new Chief Executive Officer of Outback Queensland’s official regional tourism organisation.
The new CEO role replaces Peter Homan, who left the organisation in July to take up the CEO position with Southern Queensland Country Tourism.
Ms Brown joins Outback Queensland from Brisbane Airport Ltd, where she was Aviation Development Manager. Ms Brown was also with Tourism and Events Queensland and looked after the marketing and development of Outback Queensland and the Gold Coast. Ms Brown brings over twenty years management and tourism experience to Queensland’s largest Regional Tourism Organisation by geographic size.
Ms Brown has broad-ranging skills including marketing, product development and tourism trade networks, and most importantly, is a passionate advocate for regional and rural Australia. Ms Brown has previously held a voluntary directorship on the board of the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and currently sits on the Queensland Tourism Industry Council Board.
The Outback Queensland Tourism Association Board of directors were impressed with the calibre of applicants who applied for the recently advertised CEO role, with the board interviewing through a panel and selection criteria alongside a professional recruitment agency.
“We wanted to make sure we were very thorough with the application process to find the right person with experience in tourism and someone with a strong understanding of the Outback community and lifestyle” said Belinda Murphy, Chair of the Outback Queensland Tourism Association board.
The OQTA Board, through the recruitment process were united in their approach to the location and travel logistics of this role. This role is required to have very regular face to face contact with Tourism and Events Queensland, Government departments and travel trade partners. It was agreed that the position be based in Brisbane and with the support of the OQTA Office in Longreach maintain a balanced approach with councils and tourism members.
“The Outback Queensland Tourism Association region covers almost two thirds of Queensland, therefore it is paramount that the new CEO had the best mix of being able to travel freely and spend time in region with our staff, Local Governments and members whilst also being able to have a strong voice in Brisbane and out of region for the maximum benefit of members.”
“The board is extremely excited to welcome Ms Brown to the role, as she has achieved great things in tourism over her career working in trade distribution in international hotel companies and Australia’s largest inbound tour operator. Denise also led the Australian Geographic project for Queensland’s Outback and together with Matt Bron from Tourism and Events Queensland, were united in their vision for the Education project for schools to build Outback visitation into their curriculum.
Together with the Board of Directors and Outback Queensland Tourism Association staff, Ms Brown will be responsible for attracting visitors to Outback Queensland, assisting to develop new products and experiences and leading the organisation to become a stronger and more sustainable regional tourism organisation.
Ms Brown said she is excited about the role, “I am looking forward to working with the Outback community, tourism operators and councils. I have a strong passion for this industry and the benefits that tourism brings to our country towns, both through the money they spend and the opportunity to educate visitors about our rural lifestyle. Developing awesome nature-based activities, authentic experiences, connecting adventurous spirit and strong connections with the Outback is what building visitation is all about.
Ms Brown commences with Outback Queensland Tourism Association from 23rd September 2019.
For media enquiries:
Bruce Wallace
Interim General Manager
0438 394 492 | gm@outbackqueensland.com.au
