Meet the Young Tourism Leaders and request a visit from a leader today!
Connect with our Young Tourism Leaders and discover why they are passionate about working in Queensland’s tourism industry.
Request for a Young Tourism Leader to visit your classroom and inspire the next generation of tourism professionals.
Organisation: The Westin Brisbane
Job Title: Guest Experience Agent
Region: Greater Brisbane
“I love working in Queensland tourism because of the incredible diversity the state offers and the way it allows people to experience so many different worlds within one destination. Queensland tourism stands out to me because it offers something for every type of visitor, whether they are seeking culture, nature, relaxation or city experiences. Working at The Westin Brisbane has allowed me to see firsthand how these experiences come together for visitors.”
Organisation: Mary Valley Rattler
Job Title: Operations & Marketing Manager
Region: Sunshine Coast
“I love working in Queensland tourism because I get to see the real impact experiences have on people and communities every day. It’s not just bookings or numbers, it’s watching families connect on a heritage train ride, visitors slow down on a farm tour, or hearing someone say they didn’t realise how much there was to explore in regional areas. Queensland has such diverse landscapes and towns, each with its own story, and being part of showcasing that while supporting local businesses and volunteers is incredibly rewarding.”
Organisation: Brisbane Sustainability Agency
Job Title: Project Manager – Events & Community Engagement
Region: Greater Brisbane
“I love working in Queensland tourism as it is a beautiful, deep, diverse, and connected place to live, and it will never be disregarded as this. Sharing with visitors is important, but also sharing with locals places they don’t know exist is a passion for me.”
Organisation: Novotel Brisbane South Bank
Job Title: People & Culture Manager
Region: Greater Brisbane
“I believe Tourism as an industry is built on people who have made their passion into a career. Growing up in North Queensland, I’m proud of where I’ve come from and I’m passionate about sharing the beauty of its landscapes, and its people with the world. My role not only provides me a platform to do this, but it connects me with people just as passionate as myself.”
Organisation: Gold Coast Aqua Park
Job Title: Social Media Manager and Content Creator
Region: Gold Coast
“I love working in Queensland tourism because it’s all about creating real memories for people. We get to show off how lucky we are to live here. The weather, the lifestyle, the energy and turn that into experiences families actually remember. It doesn’t feel like selling something boring; it feels like sharing something fun. Every day is different and you can genuinely see the impact of your work. There’s something really rewarding about knowing you helped someone have a great day, a great trip, or a core memory they’ll talk about for years.”
Organisation: Outback Aussie Tours
Job Title: Sales and Reservations Coordinator
Region: Outback Queensland
“I love working in Queensland tourism because it allows me to share the beauty, culture, and unique experiences of our region with people from all over the world. Being part of someone’s journey whether it’s their first time exploring the Outback or enjoying a premium experience like the Silver Bullet Train is incredibly rewarding.”
Organisation: Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Job Title: Human Resources
Region: Cairns
“I love working in Queensland tourism because it is an industry built on connection — connection to place, to culture, to nature and to people. In Tropical North Queensland, tourism isn’t just an economic driver it shapes community identity and opportunity.”
Organisation: Brisbane Convention and Entertainment Centre
Job Title: Research and Business Development Executive – International Conventions
Region: Greater Brisbane
“Growing up on the Sunshine Coast, I saw firsthand how much tourism plays a role in everyday life. From the busy peak seasons in Noosa full of visitors, to locals heading out to enjoy their favourite spots, I was always fascinated by the way tourism connects people to a region.”
Organisation: NTAQ, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Job Title: Guest Experience Manager
Region: Gold Coast
“I love working in Queensland Tourism for not only the built attraction and heritage. but our nature based attractions and areas. You can spend a day in our beautiful hinterland, come to the beaches, or our beautiful Sanctuary or Theme Parks and attractions and then a night light show!”
Organisation: Scenic Rim Regional Council
Job Title: Regional Events Coordinator
Region: Queensland Country
“I love working in the tourism industry as I have a strong passion for bringing people together and creating communities. Tourism is such a people-focused industry, and I enjoy connecting with new people, hearing their stories and working alongside them.
What I find most rewarding though is supporting local producers and helping them share their products and stories.”
Organisation: Mantra Hotels (Accor)
Job Title: Food & Beverage Manager
Region: Gold Coast
“I love working in Queensland tourism because it combines world-class destinations with a strong sense of community, opportunity, and innovation. Queensland offers a unique diversity of experiences from coastal and resort tourism to city-based events and hospitality which allows professionals to continually grow, adapt, and innovate while delivering memorable guest experiences.”
Organisation: Elysium Noosa Resort
Job Title: Assistant Front Office Manager
Region: Sunshine Coast
“This journey has truly transformed me, as Queensland tourism has played a pivotal role in my experience from day one. I have enjoyed a dynamic career path, whether it’s having conversations with guests while checking them in or serving a glass of champagne and learning more about why they are celebrating their holidays with us.”
Organisation: Portland Rods – Sailing Whitsundays
Job Title: Master Reef Guide
Region: Whitsundays
“Home to some of our planet’s most intricately exquisite ecosystems, there is something for EVERYONE in Queensland. From the ancient rainforest, to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, I love working in Queensland tourism because I get to connect people to these ecosystems. When the natural world stops being something people see on a screen and becomes something real, something they’re connected to.”
Organisation: BWH Hotels
Job Title: Sales Manager
Region: Greater Brisbane
“I really love being able to hear feedback from those that I am able to link with the beautiful surrounds of Queensland. There really is no place like Queensland and I love when I am able to share my passion for the state with others.”
Organisation: Lockyer Valley Regional Council
Job Title: Tourism Marketing Officer
Region: Queensland Country
“Regional tourism is where my passion really sits. I love working alongside farmers, producers, and small operators, helping tell their stories and showing visitors where their food comes from and the people behind it. There’s something powerful about connecting a destination to its land, its produce, and its community.”
Organisation: The Tourism Group
Job Title: Business Development Manager
Region: Greater Brisbane
“It’s the best industry in the best part of the world – what’s there not to love? I think the fact that Queensland is so collaborative, we value our regions and we have such a variety of great tourism experiences means that we work better than anywhere else and when I make the journey out to our regions, the same passion is evident everywhere.”
Organisation: The Westin Brisbane
Job Title: Front Office Manager
Region: Greater Brisbane
“I love working in Queensland tourism because you truly never know when you’re going to be part of someone’s best day of their life. People travel from the other side of the world, just to experience the Great Barrier Reef and Australia, and getting to play even a small role in that is something I never take for granted.”
Organisation: Best Western Airport 85 Motel
Job Title: Owner/Operator
Region: Greater Brisbane
“I love working in Queensland tourism because it is an industry built on people, place, and genuine connection. Queensland offers an incredibly diverse tourism landscape—from regional communities to major cities—and every destination has its own story to tell. Working in this industry allows me to see firsthand how tourism supports local economies, creates employment opportunities, and brings people from different cultures together.”
Organisation: Accor
Job Title: People & Culture Manager
Region: Sunshine Coast
“I love working in Queensland tourism because it’s such a beautiful and diverse part of the world. We have incredible destinations, endless opportunities, and an industry full of passionate, hardworking people. There is a real energy here, and I feel proud to be part of something that supports our communities and showcases Queensland at its best.”
Organisation: Tourism & Events Moreton Bay
Job Title: Destination Specialist
Region: Greater Brisbane
“No two weeks are the same and yes, there are desk days, but every week presents a different opportunity. From running a BOQ workshop with local operators, hosting networking events at footy games, giving out free ice cream in the CBD, kayaking on the lagoons of Bribie for team building, being part of the crowd on Channel 7’s Sunrise, taste testing new menus for operators, there’s always something exciting going on.”
Organisation: Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited
Job Title: Senior Trade, Marketing and Partnerships Officer
Region: Gladstone
“I love working in Queensland’s tourism industry because it’s an industry built on people, places, and pride. Tourism here isn’t just about promoting destinations, it’s about supporting local businesses, strengthening regional communities, and sharing stories that make each place unique. Being able to see the direct impact of our work on operators and communities is incredibly rewarding.”
Organisation: Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef
Job Title: Manager & Event Coordinator
Region: Tropical North Queensland; Whitsundays
“I love working in Queensland tourism because you truly never know when you’re going to be part of someone’s best day of their life. People travel from the other side of the world, just to experience the Great Barrier Reef and Australia, and getting to play even a small role in that is something I never take for granted.”
Organisation: Eromanga Natural History Museum
Job Title: Administration Manager
Region: Outback Queensland
“I love working in Queensland tourism because it allows me to share the unique stories, landscapes, and culture of regional communities. Helping visitors connect with outback Queensland and seeing their excitement and appreciation is incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy contributing to local growth and being part of an industry that celebrates the history, people, and natural heritage that make Queensland so special.”
Organisation: Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame
Job Title: Tourism Operations Manager
Region: Outback Queensland
“I believe that Queensland is one of the best places in Australia to visit, and the Outback is an under appreciated part of it.”
Organisation: Reef Unlimited – GBR Biology
Job Title: GBR Biology Operations Supervisor
Region: Tropical North Queensland
“I love working in tourism because it’s an industry that connects people to places and gives them a purpose. Everyday we inspire curiosity, share stories and create immersive experiences that leave a lasting impact. That’s what keeps me inspired. Knowing there’s always another chance to grow, lead and make a difference through the experiences we create.”
Get in touch
If you’d like to learn more about the Young Tourism Leaders program and how to get involved, please contact us at [email protected] or call us on 07 3236 1445.
The Young Tourism Leaders Program is proudly supported by the Queensland Government and Tourism and Events Queensland.
