SeaLink Marine & Tourism has appointed Red Cat Adventures and Whitsundays Jet Ski Tours founder Asher Telford as general manager of SeaLink Whitsundays, following its acquisition of his multi award-winning tourism operation late last year.
Asher and Julie Telford founded Red Cat Adventures in 2015, eventually employing a team of 75, and operating five custom-built vessels designed for local conditions. They added a fleet of 22 jet skis that offered personalised guided tours of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and four coaster buses.
Asher now brings 25 years’ experience in the marine industry to SeaLink Marine & Tourism, the largest marine transport and tourism operator in Australia.
Red Cat Adventures is a double Hall of Fame-winning tourism operator renowned for its outstanding day tours and private charters. Asher Telford’s background includes extensive experience as a freelance skipper and as a Navigator and Chief Boarding Officer with the Australian Border Force Marine Unit.
“I look forward to working with the SeaLink team to seek additional growth and innovation opportunities within the Whitsundays region,” he said.
“My vision is to build on our multi-award-winning products and continue to grow our presence and partnerships in the region, showcasing the Whitsundays alongside our incredible team, while preserving the environment for future generations.”
Donna Gauci, CEO of SeaLink Marine & Tourism, part of Kelsian Group, expressed her excitement about the partnership saying they were thrilled to have Telford at the helm of its SeaLink Whitsundays operations.
“We have a shared commitment to delivering brilliant guest experiences and preserving the pristine environments in which we operate.
“Asher brings a wealth of award-winning marine tourism experience and extensive local knowledge, and we look forward to working together to further enhance and expand our offerings within the Whitsundays,” Gauci continued.
Lifelong local experience
Born and raised on Kangaroo Island, Telford’s connection to SeaLink dates back to his childhood, travelling on the ferry to and from the mainland.
Telford’s new role encompasses a diverse range of offerings, including three ferries, two large ship transfer vessels, six tourism vessels custom designed for the unique local conditions, a fleet of now-30 jet skis and a variety of day tours and private charters to destinations including the Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef, Mackay, and Airlie Beach.
“SeaLink Whitsundays combined offerings cater to every visitor’s needs from luxury experiences to adventurous excursions, ensuring an unforgettable experience for anyone visiting the Whitsundays,” Telford said.
