Future Leaders: Mitchell Gawthorn – Turning parks into destinations

Mitchell Gawthorn is proof you don’t need a university degree to make a serious impact in tourism.

Now serving as National Operations Manager at NRMA Parks and Resorts, Mitchell has led teams across some of Australia’s most iconic destinations, drawing on passion and resilience to create experiences that are culturally rich and commercially successful.

With a strong focus on sustainability, inclusion and staff empowerment, he’s redefining what the modern caravan holiday park can offer – not just a place to stay but a destination in itself.

Can you start by telling us about your current role and your professional background?

Mitchell Gawthorn (MG): My journey in tourism began in 2007 – not with a degree or a senior title, but with an opportunity and a lot of grit. I stepped into leadership roles early on, driven by a willingness to learn, adapt and lead from the ground up.

This foundation gave me transferable skills across all areas of tourism – from hotels to caravan holiday parks. I’ve held senior roles at iconic Australian destinations, including Kakadu, the Flinders Ranges and now Mon Repos, where I serve as National Operations Manager with NRMA Parks and Resorts.

What are some of your proudest professional achievements?

MG: One of my focuses at NRMA has been leading the multi-million-dollar development of Turtle Sands Nature Resort – an ambitious project located within a highly sensitive turtle nesting area. It has required deep collaboration with community members, government bodies and conservation stakeholders.

At the same time, I’ve worked closely with Traditional Owners to develop a cultural tourism experience that supports reconciliation, creates employment pathways and delivers rich storytelling for our guests.

Whether I’m focused on operational excellence or championing cultural initiatives, I remain committed to building tourism experiences that respect Country, empower people and create long-term value. It’s been a truly rewarding journey.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing the parks sector, and what solutions do you propose?

MG: Guest expectations are shifting. Today’s travellers want more than just a place to stay – they’re looking for meaningful, well-rounded experiences, often with premium or personalised touches. As an industry, we need to move beyond traditional offerings – it’s no longer just about jumping pillows and colouring sheets. We should be providing in-park experiences that keep guests engaged onsite – things like curated family programming, digital convenience, immersive storytelling and educational activities for all ages. These should be the norm, not the exception.

We’re also seeing a rise in occupational violence and aggression toward frontline teams. The sector needs a united stance that clearly communicates zero tolerance for abuse of parks staff or fellow guests. At the same time, staff must be equipped with de-escalation training, clear incident protocols and empowered to prioritise their own safety. A safe working environment is non-negotiable.

While it’s not unique to our sector, rising operational costs and margin pressures are also a growing challenge. With guest price sensitivity remaining high, we must adopt smarter, more efficient practices – leveraging data-driven decisions, streamlining processes and advocating more effectively as an industry. A financially sustainable sector means we can reinvest in what matters – guest experiences, empowered teams and long-term prosperity.

What role do you hope to play in shaping the future success of the industry?

MG: I want to inspire others – especially young people and First Nations Australians – to back themselves, believe in their potential and pursue opportunities with confidence.

I’ve built my career by committing to personal growth, staying authentic and putting my hand up for challenges, even when I didn’t tick every box on paper. I want people to see that you don’t need a degree to lead a team, deliver profitable commercial outcomes, or build a successful business. Those capabilities are developed through experience, resilience and staying true to who you are.

I believe strongly in mentoring and peer support, and I’ll continue to use my role to uplift others helping shape the future of our industry. By encouraging more emerging leaders to step forward and lead with purpose, we can build a stronger, more inclusive industry together.

Our Future Leaders series shines a spotlight on the rising professionals whose passion, innovation, and dedication are shaping the future of our industry. Keep an eye out – more inspiring conversations with future leaders are on the way.