Turnbull to leave Tourism WA

Carolyn Turnbull has resigned as Tourism WA managing director, confirming she would leave the government tourism agency on May 10 after two and a half years of service.

Ms Turnbull departs from Tourism WA to embark on a new opportunity in Western Australia's tourism and hospitality sector, with details about her new role to be revealed in June.

Tourism WA executive director of strategy engagement Stephanie Underwood will step up as acting managing director from May 13 as the organisation carries out an extensive recruitment and selection process for Ms Turnbull's successor.

Ms Underwood has worked for the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation for three years and was appointed as Tourism WA executive director of strategy engagement in January 2023.

During Ms Turnbull's tenure, Tourism WA launched its Walking on a Dream campaign and reached a record-breaking $17.7 billion in visitor spend in the year ending June 2023.

Ms Turnbull also led the development of the 10-year Western Australia Visitor Economy Strategy 2033, which was officially launched by the state government in February 2024.

Tourism WA chair Di Bain said Ms Turnbull played a key role in driving tourism growth in WA.

“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,” Ms Bain said.

Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall recognised Ms Turnbull’s contribution to the state’s tourism sector during a difficult post-pandemic recovery period.

“I thank Carolyn for her dedication and hard work during her tenure as Managing Director, and particularly commend her on the launch of the Walking on a Dream campaign and driving the return of the interstate market,” Mr Hall said.

“Tourism WA’s Managing Director is a critical position for the success of the industry, and it is important the future Managing Director has the support of an independent board and the authority to get results.

“Tourism generated 110,000 jobs in Western Australia in 2023. It is important for the new Tourism WA Managing Director to have a track record in attracting visitors in a competitive market with other States and destinations.”