Some would call him a visionary. Some would say he lives and breathes tourism. Some would say that he is as determined as they come, but all Paul Victory wants to ensure is the future of the place he calls home.

With a tourism development career spanning more than 30 years, Paul Victory’s passion for the industry is contagious. Within 30 seconds of speaking with Paul, his love for tourism, in particular its development in Townsville North Queensland is unquestionable. For this very reason, and a raft of others, Paul was recently awarded the highly-esteemed Richard Power Award at the 2017 Townsville North Queensland Tourism and Events Celebration.

The Richard Power Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual recognises the extraordinary personal and professional achievement and contribution by an individual over many years to the local tourism industry.

Paul is currently the Regional General Manager for Sealink Queensland, overseeing the operations of Sealink Queensland and Northern Territory, including the ferry services to Magnetic and Palm Island, cruise and Great Barrier Reef charters, travel services, and ferry services to Mandorah and Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory.

Paul’s passion stems from a genuine belief that tourism is an industry of the future, a mainstay quietly ensuring the Townsville North Queensland economy continues ticking over in tough economic times. Paul believes in the value of tourism for economic development, not only in the regions, but state and country wide.

“Tourism is a major contributor to the success of our economy, creating many opportunities to enter the work force through hospitality, the corporate sector, private tours, government industries, local councils, and all leisure based operations,” says Paul, who is quick to point out however, that it’s not all just going to magically happen overnight.

“Townsville’s tourism industry has a big future, but we have to plan and invest accordingly for that future. In regional destinations, competition for people’s leisure time is enormous and investment must be made into our local tourism assets, or we risk not getting our fair share of visitation.”

“Paul’s love for tourism, in particular its development in Townsville North Queensland, is unquestionable.”

This is why Paul is one of the key members leading the development and potential implementation of the Southern Hemisphere’s first Museum of Underwater Art, situated in the Townsville North Queensland region. The project has the potential to truly transform the region’s tourism industry and is one Paul is determined to see realised.

“This opportunity is all around diversification. We have over two million people diving the Great Barrier Reef, enjoying all its splendour and beauty. But what the Museum of Underwater Art will do is bring a new market, supporting our local industry’s focus as a world-class educational tourism destination.

“The project supports Townsville’s focus as the heart of the research centre for the reef, while also providing a point of difference for reef experiences in Australia. The opportunity to work with world-renowned artist, Jason deCaires Taylor is also noteworthy, as this is enhancing the cultural value of tourism in our region.”

In the short-term future, Paul will continue to be a passionate advocate for unique tourism experiences like the Museum of Underwater Art, as well as expanding local walking trails, associated overnight walking opportunities and increased access to Magnetic Island bays for greater visitation.

Looking more long-term, Paul hopes to see product diversification on the Great Barrier Reef flourish, further reef restoration and increased development of significant tourism infrastructure. Striking the balance between nurturing the liveability of Magnetic Island for its residents and ensuring the sustainability of island experiences for visitors is also close to Paul’s heart.

For over 30 years the tourism industry has been privileged to have an ambassador flying the flag as unwaveringly as Paul Victory. He wakes up every morning proud of the industry he has been able to devote much of his life to.

Paul will leave a lasting legacy on the landscape of Townsville North Queensland’s tourism industry, developing it not only for visitors, but perhaps more importantly, to ensure its future as a place the community can be proud to call home.