Intrepid Travel’s local chief Brett Mitchell (pictured) and Regent Seven Seas Cruises Vice President Sales and GM Asia Pacific Lisa Pile have joined five other experienced leaders to help the Top End reach its recently unveiled 2032 travel and tourism targets (TD 05 Nov 2025).
The primary goal of the new board will be to provide expert advice on growing the NT’s visitor economy by better showcasing its Indigenous culture, unique landscapes and cultural diversity.
Speaking to travelBulletin about his new position, Mitchell said it was an honour to take on such an important travel mission.
“The NT has a real opportunity to lead Australia’s next chapter of tourism, connecting travellers with nature, culture and country while supporting local communities,” he explained.
“I’m looking forward to working with the NT Minister, the board, industry partners and communities to help deliver on the ambitions of the NT Visitor Economy Strategy 2032.”
Lisa Pile told travelBulletin that she is “very proud to be appointed to the inaugural advisory board for Tourism and Events NT”, adding that “the Territory is a special place to me as it is where I was raised, and with experience across destination marketing, business events, hotels and cruising, I look forward to contributing to the strategic direction and long-term success of the destination”.
Other advisory board members include former Australian Grand Prix Corporation General Manager of Operations Amy Hill, CEO of the Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations Hayley Richards, former Chair of Tourism NT Paul Ah Chee, CEO of Crocosaurus Cove Penny Priest, and former Qantas Chief Marketing Officer Tim Jones.
In September last year, NT Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Marie-Clare Boothby, announced a major overhaul of the Top End’s approach to attracting visitors, folding in Tourism NT and NT Major Events Company to create the streamlined Tourism and Events NT.
Tourism and Events NT CEO Suzana Bishop said the hunt to create the advisory board saw 54 nominations received in total, including 21 from the NT and 33 from interstate and overseas.
“I look forward to seeing this new board shape the future of the Northern Territory visitor economy, from growing the industry, to showcasing our incredible events and experiences to the world,” Bishop said.
After a sluggish recovery following the pandemic, the NT saw its visitor volumes steadily climb from 2023, surpassing 2019 volumes last year.
The NT’s ambitious 2032 strategy includes the goal of growing tourist spending from $1.5 billion to $2.2 billion.
