Experience Co. CEO John O’Sullivan joins Tourism WA board

Tourism Western Australia has announced the appointment of renowned industry leader John O’Sullivan to its board of commissioners.

O’Sullivan is the CEO and executive director of ASX-listed adventure tourism company Experience Co. – a role he was appointed to last year after five years at the helm of Tourism Australia.

During his time at Tourism Australia, O’Sullivan oversaw the agency’s famous ‘Dundee’ campaign starring actors Chris Hemsworth and Danny McBride.

He brings to the Tourism WA board more than 25 years’ experience in senior executive roles across travel and tourism, as well as media (Fox Sports Australia), sports (Football Federation Australia) and the entertainment sector (Events Queensland).

O’Sullivan currently holds positions on both the Experience Co. board and the Super Netball commission.

He will join the board on 1 July 2020 for an initial one-year term, with his appointment bringing the total number of Tourism WA’s board commissioners to 10.

Current Tourism WA board members Di Bain, Kevin Brown, Valerie Davies, Manny Papadoulis, Karen Priest, and Linda Wayman have all had their terms extended.

Commenting on O’Sullivan’s appointment, WA Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said: “It is my pleasure to welcome John O’Sullivan to Tourism WA.

“John’s expertise and credentials are well established, with his work on the 2018 Superbowl advertisement generating terrific exposure for Australian tourism.

“Last year, Western Australia enjoyed its own Chris Hemsworth-inspired success with his record-breaking quokka selfie, and we look forward to working with John on further innovative ways to promote WA.”

O’Sullivan’s appointment comes as Western Australia readies for the next phase of its COVID-19 recovery.

Phase four of WA’s roadmap to relax coronavirus restrictions starts on Saturday 27 June, which will see all existing gathering limits and the 100/300 rule removed, meaning gathering limits will now only be determined by the state’s reduced two-square-metre rule.

The fourth phase will also allow alcohol to be served at venues as part of unseated service arrangements, and all events permitted except for large-scale, multi-stage music festivals. For WA’s major sport and entertainment venues, a 50 per cent capacity rule will apply.

Depending on infection rates locally, WA plans to implement phase five on Saturday 18 July and will result in the removal of the two-square-metre rule.

The fifth phase is also expected to see the removal of all gathering restrictions, other COVID-related rules introduced by the state government and the 50 per cent capacity limit for major venues.

A tentative date for the removal of WA’s hard border was planned to be included as part of phase six. However, this has been put on hold due to the rapidly evolving situation in Victoria.

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