Respected Managing Director Carolyn Turnbull, has today announced she will be departing Tourism Western Australia, effective Friday 10 May 2024.
Turnbull’s tenure has been marked by outstanding contributions to Tourism WA and the broader tourism industry. Over the past three years, Turnbull has played an instrumental role in driving remarkable 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 a whopping 31%.
Di Bain, Chair of Tourism WA, highlighted Turnbull’s pivotal role in fuelling industry growth, stating: “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.”
Under Turnbull’s visionary leadership, Tourism WA achieved incredible milestones, including the successful 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.
Turnbull has accepted an exciting leadership opportunity in the tourism and hospitality industry, which she will commence on Monday, 1 June 2024. Details regarding her position will be announced at that time.
Stepping into the role of Acting Managing Director is Stephanie Underwood, a leader with more than a decade of experience in the WA public sector. 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.
Underwood will commence her duties as of Monday 13 May 2024. Meanwhile, an extensive recruitment and selection process will be initiated to appoint a new Managing Director for Tourism WA.
