Talking Tourism & The Tropics with Mark Olsen

Talking Tourism & The Tropics with Mark Olsen

From Inside Downunder by Ben Woodward, Nikki Giumelli & Lisa Chambers

July 17, 2025 · 1h 0m · Season 2 · Episode 4

About this episode

Mark Olsen discusses his journey in the tourism industry and the importance of community and conservation in leadership.

In this episode of  Inside Downunder , we sit down with  Mark Olsen,  CEO of  Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ),  for a relaxed and insightful conversation about his tourism industry journey from studying in regional Queensland to leading one of Australia’s most respected destination marketing organisations. Mark shares some of the defining moments and mentors that have shaped his leadership style and we chat about what it means to lead with purpose in a region where tourism is deeply connected to community and culture. We also dive into the  Lifetime of Greatness  project, a global movement celebrating the Great Barrier Reef’s extraordinary contribution to science, education, conservation and global action. Mark shares why this initiative is so meaningful and how it brings together Traditional Custodians, the tourism industry, Reef communities and global advocates to champion continued protection of this natural wonder. More information on the Lifetime of Greatness Project can be viewed via this link  https://alifetimeofgreatness.com/ A big thanks to the sponsor of this episode, Mustard Design & Digital. The team at Mustard help…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ben Woodward, Nikki Giumelli, Lisa Chambers

Guest: Mark Olsen

Topics covered

  • tourism
  • leadership
  • community
  • conservation
  • Great Barrier Reef

Keywords

  • tourism
  • leadership
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • conservation
  • community
  • mentorship
  • marketing

Sponsors

Mustard Design & Digital

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Lifetime of Greatness

Places: Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

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