John O’Sullivan Appointed Chair of Tourism and Events Queensland

In a major leadership transition for Australian travel governance, Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) has appointed seasoned industry executive John O’Sullivan as its new Chair, succeeding Grant Hunt AM as the state accelerates preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Announced by Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell alongside an extensive board refresh, the appointment reinforces the state's ambitious Destination 2045 tourism strategy to drive high-yield visitor dispersal, extended lengths of stay, and sustainable regional development across the Sunshine State.

Bringing more than three decades of high-level executive expertise spanning global destination marketing, commercial sport, aviation, and adventure tourism, O’Sullivan steps into the statutory leadership role at a defining moment. Working directly alongside TEQ Chief Executive Craig Davidson and four newly appointed directors—Krista Adams, Jacob Cassidy, Damien Massingham, and Roderic Rees—the revamped board is tasked with translating Olympic infrastructure momentum into permanent tourism dividends across regional Queensland.

The Local Trend Revealed: Executive Governance Aligned With Destination 2045

The governance restructuring at TEQ marks a shift toward operational delivery under the state’s long-term framework:

• Executive Provenance of John O’Sullivan:
  • Tourism Australia (2014–2019): Served five years as Managing Director of the national tourism agency, spearheading high-impact global consumer campaigns and international trade partnerships.
  • Experience Co (2019–Present): Served as Chief Executive of the ASX-listed adventure travel group, overseeing Great Barrier Reef reef-craft operations, skydiving, and rainforest expeditions.
  • Commercial Sports & Major Events: Held earlier executive positions as Chief Executive of Events Queensland and Chief Commercial Officer of Football Federation Australia.
  • Regional and Global Governance: Preserved grassroots ties to northern regional communities as Chair of Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ), alongside international governance experience as a board director of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority in the United Arab Emirates.
• Building on Grant Hunt AM's Legacy:
  • Outgoing Chair Grant Hunt AM, who assumed the position in September 2022 following Brett Godfrey's pandemic recovery-focused leadership, leaves an indelible imprint on eco-tourism and Indigenous travel.
  • Hunt brought valuable governance from roles with Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, G'Day Group, Discovery Parks, Tourism Tasmania, Tourism Northern Territory, and the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).
• Strategic Pillars of Destination 2045:
  • Driving visitor spending beyond Southeast Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast) into Outback Queensland, the Whitsundays, and Tropical North Queensland.
  • Expanding authentic First Nations cultural tourism ventures led by Traditional Owners.
  • Optimizing global airline connectivity and major sporting event schedules ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Leadership Attribute	Outgoing Chair: Grant Hunt AM	Incoming Chair: John O’Sullivan
Tenure at TEQ	September 2022 – September 2026	Appointed September 2026
Preceding Leadership	Succeeded Brett Godfrey	Succeeds Grant Hunt AM
Core Specialization	Nature-based resorts & Indigenous ventures	Global marketing, adventure travel, commercial sports
Key Past Roles	Voyages Indigenous Tourism, Tourism Tasmania	Managing Director Tourism Australia, CEO Experience Co
Regional Connections	Tourism NT, Discovery Parks, G'Day Group	Chair TTNQ, CEO Events Queensland
Strategic Focus	Post-pandemic recovery & cultural grounding	Destination 2045 delivery & Brisbane 2032 runway

Cultural & Environmental Value: Expanding First Nations Journeys and Reef Conservation

Under the Destination 2045 framework, Queensland's tourism policy connects high-profile sporting visibility with genuine environmental preservation and cultural equity:

• Indigenous Cultural Heritage at the Forefront: TEQ is expanding support for First Nations-owned tour operators. By supporting cultural guides from the Kuku Yalanji peoples in the Daintree Rainforest and Mandingalbay Yidinji rangers near Cairns, visitor revenue directly finances Indigenous land care, ancient storytelling preservation, and youth employment on country.
• Ecotourism Certification Along the Great Barrier Reef: Tourism policy prioritizes Master Reef Guide certifications and the High Standard Tourism Operator program managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), ensuring international dive operations contribute directly to coral restoration and scientific monitoring.
• Decentralizing Visitor Footprints: The 2032 Olympics strategy avoids over-concentrating travelers in urban stadiums by directing international spectators into low-impact rural itineraries across the Atherton Tablelands, the Carnarvon Gorge sandstone ranges, and Gulf Savannah rail routes.

Visitor Insider Tips: Experiencing Queensland Beyond the Standard Itinerary

• Target the Tropical Dry Season Window: When planning trips to Tropical North Queensland (Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Great Barrier Reef), travel between May and October. This winter dry season delivers clear blue skies, balmy 26°C daytime temperatures, minimal ocean swells, and avoids the summer marine stinger period.
• Engage Authentic Traditional Owner Tours:
  • Take a guided interpretive walk with Kuku Yalanji guides through Mossman Gorge in the ancient Daintree Rainforest to discover traditional bush tucker, medicinal plants, and sacred smoking ceremonies.
  • Join an eco-cruise with Mandingalbay Yidinji cultural rangers through the coastal wetlands and mangrove estuaries of Trinity Inlet.
• Savor Distinctive Queensland Produce:
  • Sample fresh Moreton Bay bugs (flathead lobsters) lightly grilled with lemon garlic butter at coastal seafood bistros across Noosa and Mooloolaba.
  • Taste wild-caught wild saltwater barramundi paired with native finger limes and roasted macadamia nuts native to Southeast Queensland subtropical rainforests.
• Explore the Outback Rail Corridors: Instead of driving congested coastal highways, experience Queensland Rail’s heritage routes, such as the Spirit of the Outback from Brisbane to Longreach, or the Gulflander historic railmotor traversing the remote golden savannah plains between Normanton and Croydon.

Tourism Outlook: The Decade-Long Runway to Brisbane 2032

With John O’Sullivan steering Tourism and Events Queensland alongside Chief Executive Craig Davidson and Minister Andrew Powell, the state enters a decisive decade. The Destination 2045 strategy ensures that the multi-billion-dollar visibility of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games serves not as a fleeting fortnight of sporting competitions, but as a permanent catalyst for sustainable eco-tourism, regional prosperity, and world-class Indigenous visitor experiences across Queensland.

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