General News
22 May, 2026
Tourism boss quits
THE businessman credited with turning around tourism marketing efforts at Palm Cove has quit with a special general meeting of Tourism Palm Cove planned next week.
Matthew Cork (above) resigned recently but would not be drawn on the reasons in detail.
“I decided to resign following our achievement of receiving the LUXlife Magazine best luxury coastal destination marketing award for Australia for the year 2026, as well as Palm Cove being recognised as the sole destination in Far North Queensland with full occupancy across the entire accommodation sector during the Easter long weekend,” he said.
Mr Cork said when he resigned last month “at that point, our endeavours had been remarkably fruitful and we were making significant progress in various initiatives”. He wished Tourism Palm Cove all the best for the future.
“When I took over Tourism Palm Cove (in November 2023) there were only 25 members and now it has 75 members,” Mr Cork said.
“I was spending 40-hours a week working for the not-for-profit organisation,” he said.
“Exceptionally good things were happening,” Mr Cork said.
Mr Cork, who manages Mango Lagoon Resort and Wellness Spa as well as owning Tropical Cove Remedial Massage and Wellness, said he would continue to promote the seaside resort town.
He said Palm Cove had recently won some top awards and had “huge potential”.
“Tropical North Queensland needs as much love as it can get,” Mr Cork said.
Acting TPC president Ian Stone has thanked Mr Cork for his efforts in a letter to members.
“Firstly, I would like to acknowledge Matthew Cork, who has stepped aside as president after many years of dedicated service to Palm Cove and Tourism Palm Cove,” he said in the letter.
“On behalf of the committee and members, I sincerely thank Matt for the time, care and commitment he has given to the organisation and to the broader Palm Cove community.
“As a former president and long-standing member of Tourism Palm Cove, I have been asked to step in as acting president to help steady the organisation, support our members and move TPC forward in a positive and constructive way.”
Mr Stone, who owns Posh Photography, said there were now just three committee members following other resignations. The others are The Reef House general manager Wayne Harris (secretary) and Stacey Miezij of Elysium Palm Cove (general committee).
He has called a special meeting of the organisation on Wednesday 27 May.
“My focus now is to bring members together and move forward,” Mr Stone said.
“This will be an important meeting. Members will have the opportunity to hear more about recent events, ask questions and vote on proposed changes to the TPC constitution,” he said.
“I will also outline proposed marketing priorities and changes to how TPC delivers value for members, including future membership fee arrangements. I encourage all members to attend.
“I am committed to keeping members informed about this matter and about the future direction of Tourism Palm Cove.”
Mr Stone also referred to recent publicity about TPC and discussions about tourism funding.
He said Mr Cork was present at the October meeting referred to in the story.
“During Matt’s time as president, TPC did not endorse, pursue or advocate for any proposal to divert funding away from Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ),” Mr Stone said.
“As a former TPC president, I am also not aware of any TPC position or formal discussion supporting such a proposal,” he said.
“TTNQ has been, and remains, an important partner in promoting visitation to Palm Cove and the wider Tropical North Queensland region.
“I have already been in direct contact with TTNQ and I am pleased to say that the relationship remains positive. I am committed to strengthening that relationship further.”
The time, location and further details of the special meeting are to be confirmed.
