Australia’s leading experiential tourism group, Journey Beyond, has announced a reshaped organisational structure and senior leadership team as the business continues its significant expansion – more than doubling in size by the end of 2026.
The new structure streamlines the group’s portfolio into three aligned business divisions, designed to strengthen leadership capability and ensure clear accountability as the company scales up.
“As Journey Beyond continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that our organisational model and leadership structure are designed to support the significant growth ahead,” said Chris Tallent, Journey Beyond Group CEO. “This new structure sees our individual brands and operations logically grouped into three aligned and larger business divisions to ensure we are focused on the areas that matter most for our long-term strategy”.
Key leadership appointments:
Central to this evolution is the appointment of Matt Cameron-Smith to the new, group-wide role of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) for Journey Beyond. Currently CEO of Voyages Tourism Australia, Cameron-Smith will now oversee the commercial and revenue strategy across the entire Journey Beyond portfolio.
Additionally, David Donald has been promoted to Managing Director – Rail & Touring. Having successfully led the Rail business for the past six years, Donald will now oversee an expanded division that brings together the group’s iconic rail journeys and market-leading touring brands.
A new three-division structure:
The reshaped organisation centres on three core divisions:
Rail & Touring: Led by Managing Director David Donald, this division oversees the ‘heart and soul’ of the Journey Beyond brand – iconic rail journeys including The Ghan and Indian Pacific – while integrating premium touring operators Outback Spirit and Grand Pacific Tours to deliver seamless, multi-day, immersive journeys.
Resorts & Lodges: This division will oversee an expanding portfolio of unique experiential accommodation, including Ayers Rock Resort, the eco-luxury Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, Monarto Safari Resort and the Groups portfolio of remote lodges, meeting the global growing demand for immersive high-end hospitality.
Experiences & Attractions: This division creates a unified ecosystem of day travel experiences by bringing together the Group’s Marine & Aviation operations (such as Cruise Whitsundays, Rottnest Express and Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures) with Attractions & Dining (including Melbourne Skydeck and Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney).
To complete the new leadership team, Hourigan have commenced the executive search for the new Managing Director – Resorts & Lodges and Managing Director – Experiences & Attractions roles.
“This transition supports more integrated, collaborative, and best-practice ways of working and establishes a strong foundation for the further growth ahead for Journey Beyond”, Tallent added.
