Tasmanian-born and raised Sarah Clark is set to depart Intrepid Travel and has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of Tourism Tasmania and will begin her new role in the new year.
Tasmanian-born and raised, Ms Clark will take over the helm of Tourism Tasmania as the state’s tourism industry is entering an exciting period as the development of the 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy is underway.
Tourism Tasmania said her deep understanding of sustainable travel from an industry operator and customer perspective “will help her steward this important strategy that will set the direction for Tasmania’s tourism sector and, importantly, the positive impact it can contribute on the state.”
Ms Clark joins the agency from Intrepid, the world’s largest adventure travel company, where her current role is as Managing Director ANZ and a member of the global core management team.
She has also been Intrepid Travel’s Marketing General Manager, Managing Director for APAC and Managing Director of Intrepid Hotels.
Ms Clark’s tourism career commenced at Topdeck Travel as a tour guide before she moved quickly into senior roles, including leading the global youth business as Global General Manager and as Vice President for STA Travel in Dallas, leading strategy for air, product, marketing and online performance.
In accepting the position, Sarah Clark said, “As a proud Tasmanian, I am honoured to take on the role and provide leadership to realise Tasmania’s vision and plan of being a global leader in sustainable tourism.
“We are a destination on the top of many Australian travel lists, with international travellers quickly catching on. People are looking for an enriching and meaningful travel experiences, and Tasmania is unlike anywhere in the world. We are beautifully positioned to thrive as travel recovers with our world-class gastronomy, natural environment, arts, and unique culture.”
“I look forward to leading the incredible and very capable team at Tourism Tasmania and working with the wider tourism industry to drive positive social, cultural and economic impact to Tasmanians through a strong and sustainable visitor economy,” she said.
Ms Clark has been on Tourism Tasmania’s board since September 2021, and when she commences in the position in early 2023 will transition from a non-executive director to the CEO’s role as executive director on the board.
Clark will remain at Intrepid until mid-November and be replaced by Brett Mitchell as Managing Director ANZ, who will once again oversee the tour operator’s Australian and New Zealand region.
