Queensland tourism leader and former Cairns Airport boss Stephen Gregg dies

One of Queensland’s most well-known tourism industry identities, Stephen Gregg, has died after a lengthy health battle.

Queensland tourism has lost an inspirational leader with the death of Stephen Gregg, Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) chairman Ken Chapman said on Thursday.

Mr Gregg, who was 73, died after an eight year battle with cancer at his home on the Sunshine Coast.

“Stephen Gregg was a champion of the tourism industry throughout his stellar career over more than 40 years,” Mr Chapman said.

He was chief executive at Cairns Airport and chair of TTNQ among many prominent industry roles.

Queensland tourism titan Stephen Gregg, whose career included being Cairns Airport chief executive and serving as chair of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, died on September 15.

Mr Gregg was chief executive of Tourism Queensland, Dreamworld, Mackay Airport, chair of Tourism and Events Queensland, Queensland Rail and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council.

“Nobody has held such recognised leadership in Queensland tourism for so long and with such success,” Mr Chapman said.

He said Mr Gregg was a quiet and humble man who offered thoughtful advice, wisdom, innovation and passion.

“He embodied committed leadership with a true love of the tourism industry throughout his life and has left a lasting legacy of achievement for which we are all so very grateful,” Mr Chapman said.

Queensland tourism titan Stephen Gregg, whose career included being Cairns Airport chief executive and serving as chair of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, died on September 15.

Rob Giason, who was TTNQ chief executive when Mr Gregg joined the board in 2011, paid tribute to a great supporter of regional tourism.

“He was an innovator, creator, motivator and great thinker who wanted to provide the tourism industry with as many tools as possible to govern their own destiny,” Mr Giason said.

“He was a damn great guy who loved nature, whether it was walking, bike riding, paddling or surfing, and he taught us a lot – he will be sadly missed.”

Queensland tourism titan Stephen Gregg, whose career included being Cairns Airport chief executive and serving as chair of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, died on September 15.

Former TTNQ deputy chair James Dixon said he had the honour of working with one of the greatest tourism minds he had ever met.

“Steve’s forward thinking always amazed me,” he said.

“His thinking was so pure as he always looked at both sides – he was so far ahead of his time, doing things like biking and walking tours in the 70s and 80s before it became popular.

“What I loved about Stephen Gregg was that it was never about him, but about what was best for the industry so that it would prosper.”

In a joint statement, State MP for Cairns Michael Healy and Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe paid tribute to Mr Gregg.

They said for more than 40 years, Mr Gregg was an inspirational and strategic Queensland tourism leader who guided important industry innovations.

“The esteem in which Stephen was held by the tourism industry is possibly best illustrated by the awarding in 2015 of the Marie Watson-Blake Award for outstanding contribution by an individual,” they said.

“As the industry’s highest honour, the Marie Watson-Blake award recognises extraordinary personal and professional achievements in Queensland and Australian tourism.

“Stephen’s tourism legacy will be enduring and remembered by the next generation of industry professionals who are fortunate to be nurtured and inspired by his leadership,” the said in the statement.

Mr Gregg is survived by wife Christine, four children and six grandchildren.

Originally published as Queensland tourism leader and former Cairns Airport boss Stephen Gregg dies