Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull is departing the agency with effect from Friday May 10.
Over the past three years, Turnbull played an instrumental role in driving growth, with one of the agency’s most significant achievements being the increase in visitor spend. Under her leadership, Tourism WA achieved a record breaking $17.7 billion in visitor spend, surpassing pre-COVID levels by 31 per cent.
Turnbull has accepted an exciting leadership opportunity in the tourism and hospitality industry, which she will commence on Monday, 1 June. The details are yet to be announced.
“Carolyn’s leadership has been instrumental in launching numerous initiatives, programs, and securing substantial funding, all of which have contributed to the impressive growth of tourism in our state,” Tourism WA Chair Di Bain said.
Under Turnbull’s leadership, Tourism WA achieved incredible milestones, including the launch of the global tourism brand, ‘Walking On A Dream’. A standout accomplishment was her integral role in the inception of this brand, alongside the implementation of the WA Visitor Economy Strategy 2033 and securing a record number of events, including high-profile exclusives like Coldplay, Rugby Sevens, and WWE.
Additionally, Turnbull facilitated the resumption and launch of nonstop flights between 19 international destinations and Perth, solidifying WA’s reputation as the Western Gateway to Australia.
Stepping into the role of Acting Managing Director is Stephanie Underwood. Having joined the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI) in 2021, Underwood was appointed Tourism
WA’s Executive Director of Strategy and Engagement in January 2023. She will commence her duties on Monday, May 13, 2024.
Meanwhile, an extensive recruitment and selection process will be initiated to appoint a new Managing Director for Tourism WA.
