General News
6 March, 2025
Bright outlook for tourism
NEW Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) chairwoman Rosie Douglas brings a wealth of experience and a canny way of creating partnerships to promote destinations.
Ms Douglas has worked in the tourism and hospitality sectors for more than 40 years, with extensive knowledge and strategic insight.
Most recently she was with Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ).
She will start her new role officially on March 5, 2025.
“I finished up at Tourism Tropical North Queensland in December 2023,” Ms Douglas said.
“I’d worked there for nearly 14 years, mainly in the conference and incentive area, and then major and regional events attraction and marketing and partnerships, developing partnerships with different agencies – local government, tourism organisations, all the rest of it.”
Her leadership roles at TTNQ have led to major events and strategic tourism partnerships.
In her previous roles, Ms Douglas has successfully negotiated strategic tourism partnerships with key players such as Flight Centre, Webjet and Ignite Travel Group, as well as aviation partnerships with both international and domestic carriers. She plans to build on the solid achievements of the previous TPDD board chairman Cam Charlton, who served for over four years.
“The plan is not to go in and make wholesale changes at this stage,” Ms Douglas said.
“I mean, it’s a really strong board, which has been very effective and will continue to be very effective,” she said.
“The big focus for the organisation has to be on the partnerships and the destinations, because it’s a small organisation.
“You achieve a lot more if you work collaboratively with everybody. And I think they’ve been doing that really well – certainly in the last few years anyway.
“It’s more about just trying to continue and build on what has actually been done and what’s actually been delivered by the outgoing chair(man) and the board previously.”
Ms Douglas is well aware the region is a must-visit for tourists seeking the lure of unspoilt nature.
“It’s about the natural assets of the region,” she said.
“So, your rainforests, the lifestyle, experiences, the restaurants, food offering in the region and the nice, tropical climate.”
Mr Charlton said “Rosie’s strategic vision and dedication to the tourism industry make her the perfect choice to guide our organisation”.
“Her appointment marks an exciting new era for TPDD as we continue to build on our successes and explore new opportunities,” he said.
