ACA appoints dep chair

I AM delighted to announce that long serving member of the Australian Cruise Association Julie O’Brien has been appointed to the role of deputy chair. Julie is replacing Richard Schoonrad who took up a new job in his home state of Western Australia. Julie, who is senior adviser, destinations and global partnerships for Tourism Events Queensland (TEQ) has served on our Management Committee for the last three years, so we are excited that she has agreed to move into ACA’s executive team. She is in her sixteenth year at TEQ and passionate about the development of quality destination experiences for the cruise lines ensuring that Queensland’s treasures such as the Reef, Daintree Rainforest and Fraser Island are included in itineraries. Julie also works closely with tourism operators and conducts forums and giving practical guidance on becoming involved in the cruise industry. She has also focussed on the welcome experience for cruise passengers working with the state’s volunteers. She got to experience this recently when Azamara Journey made an unexpected return to Brisbane due to Cyclone Debbie. With the World Science Fair in the city, there was a shortage of volunteers so Julie and husband Andrew jumped in to welcome passengers and provide information on the city! We also look forward to Julie playing a critical local advisory role in the organisation of our annual conference this Sep on the Sunshine Coast.