CityLife Magazine Second Quarter 2020

CityLife FEATURE
1. Over the years what is the one thing you have come to
appreciate about the city of Cairns?
As new residents, having only arrived in October last year, my
family and I are loving the time back in nature. Getting out on the
reef, exploring the rainforest, swimming in the volcanic lakes, bird
watching and all the vibrant colours of the world around us. We
can take a five-minute walk from our new home and be in thick
forest with a crystal clear rainforest stream weaving through the tall
trees. With a young family it’s been great to share these experiences
with new friends and we are settling into our new social life, with a
great school community, amazing performing arts centre, and lots
of events.
Mark Olsen
Chief Executive Officer,
Tourism Tropical North
Queensland (TTNQ)
“ What this
region offers is
what the world
is looking for”
2. The region has experienced many tough times
throughout the years, but none quite like we are
experiencing now. What is one message you would like
to give to the people of Cairns at this uncertain time?
This is the time for the community to unite and support each
other. Everyone is being impacted, but the sooner we can stop the
spread of the virus and ensure our community is safe, the sooner
we can get back on with the business of sharing this amazing bit
of the world with all those people who have been cooped up at
home. Safe home, stay safe, stop the spread. What this region
offers is what the world is looking for on the other side of this global
pandemic, our visitor experiences, our seafood and agricultural
product, our world-class educators, our lifestyle and connection to
nature. These will be the things that help drive our economy for
many years to come.
3. Leaders like yourself have united to fight for the
region in what are unprecedented times – what role
are you and your organisation playing in all of this?
Tourism Tropical North Queensland amplifies the voice of our
industry, and our communities, to ensure we are being heard. We
are working closely with all sectors of the economy to ensure our
region is front of mind in every decision government is making,
and front of mind for consumers planning their dream holiday
when we have the virus contained. As a team we ensure we are
listening to the industry and the communities across the region,
from Cardwell to the Torres Strait and out to Boodjamulla (Lawn
Hill) and Riversleigh and sharing their concerns with all levels of
government. We are also working hard to build demand for the
future with inspirational content, stronger partnerships globally,
and active bids for major events and conferences for the years
ahead.
4. While there are many negatives about the current
situation we all find ourselves in – what is one thing you
are looking forward to doing while in isolation?
Over Easter I enjoyed some quality time with my family. We took
the TNQ Easter Challenge and recreated our favourite visitor
experience in the region at home. The biggest challenge is trying
to decide what experience to choose. Should we swim on the
reef in the lounge room, go fishing in the pool, go camping in the
backyard, float down a pretend Mulgrave River in our garage or
try and re-create the hike up the Pyramid (which we haven’t done
yet and will have to wait a bit longer).
CityLife 20
Magazine