New Tourism Australia Tourism Head

John O’Sullivan

The appointment of John O’Sullivan as Managing Director of Tourism Australia will ensure the organisation maintains its position as a world-leading tourism marketer, according to peak national industry body Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).

TTF Chief Executive Ken Morrison said John O’Sullivan is an ideal choice.

“John O’Sullivan has a great background in tourism and major events in both the public and private sectors and is well-known and respected in the tourism industry,” Mr Morrison said.

“He brings more than two decades of experience to the role and will be able to ensure that Tourism Australia’s success in promoting Australia as a must-see destination around the world continues.

“The industry welcomes John’s appointment and looks forward to him building on Andrew McEvoy’s legacy, which has not only seen Tourism Australia recognised globally with a raft of international awards and has also seen growth in international arrivals to Australia over the past few years despite challenging global conditions.”

Mr Morrison said tourism makes a massive contribution to the Australian economy.

“Tourism directly employs more than 530,000 Australians in more than 280,000 tourism businesses across the country and generated almost $110 billion in economic activity last year,” Mr Morrison said.

“On top of this, tourism has been identified as a key growth sector that will be able to deliver jobs, business opportunities and future prosperity for Australia and industry is working with government to double overnight tourism expenditure to $140 billion by 2020.

“John understands the value of tourism and its potential to help the Australian economy as the mining investment boom slows and we are looking forward to working with John when he takes up the role at the end of March.”