Prominent Gold Coast tourism figure Paul Donovan has been appointed an adjunct professor at the Griffith Institute for Tourism.
The move both highlights and cements the link between research and industry at one of the country’s iconic tourist destinations.
Mr Donovan will bring a wealth of industry knowledge to the university classroom with students of international tourism and hotel management set to benefit from his input at academic level.
Currently the executive general manager of business development and marketing for Queensland Airports, Mr Donovan was previously the chief operating officer of Gold Coast Airports for almost a decade.
He is also chair of Gold Coast Tourism since 2007 and a board member of Tourism and Events Queensland.
Tourism leaders
“I am looking forward to having the opportunity to make a contribution to tourism in the education sector,” Mr Donovan said.
“I am keen to share my insights with bright young minds in the classroom while also collaborating closely with some of the country’s leading tourism academics.”
Mr Donovan has spearheaded a series of tourism initiatives on the Gold Coast with the emergence of the Chinese tourism market and the development of the Gold Coast Airport among his leading priorities in recent years.
“Paul brings a body of knowledge that is both relevant and current to the university setting,” Professor Susanne Becken, Director, Griffith Institute for Tourism, said.
“His appointment is a shining example of the collegial spirit that exists between industry and research when it comes to tourism on the Gold Coast.
“Paul’s in-depth knowledge of the Gold Coast tourism landscape is matched by specialised industry experience in areas like business development, high level negotiations, relationship management, brand management and marketing.
“Students and researchers will gain from his knowledge, his leadership and mentoring skills.”
Paul Donovan officially took up the adjunct professor position at the Gold Coast campus on July 1.