Tough gig for tourism chief

TO say that Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen has had a tough first-year baptism is an understatement.

Not long after his arrival 12 months ago he was in critical meetings with Cairns Airport bosses and airlines such as Emirates, China Southern, China Eastern, Asiana, Hainan and Korean, along with Japanese and domestic carriers, during the World Routes Conference in Adelaide.

On the horizon was the permanent departure of Cathay Pacific from the skies above Cairns after 25 years, which came after China Southern had already suspended its Guangzhou flights.

Little did he know that worse was to come.

Mr Olsen was soon knee-deep in the COVID-19 crisis, with almost all international flights cancelled, except essential services from Papua New Guinea, and the vast majority of domestic routes affected.

The region’s multibillion-dollar tourism industry ground to a halt.

But Mr Olsen and his team at TTNQ didn’t give up as they looked at every way to get the industry restarted.

Fortunately he has had the backing of almost all those in the leisure sector and a main financial supporter, Cairns Regional Council.

While overseas guests are the icing on the cake, the industry’s bread and butter is holidaying Australians and they are critical for the short-term survival of the sector.

Slowly and ever so carefully the borders are being reopened but it’s clear if more decisions are not made soon then the summer holiday season could be a disaster.

The Far North is lucky to have Mr Olsen’s leadership and experience. Nick Dalton Deputy editor