SKIWA Mentor · 2026 Cohort
George Booth OAM
Tourism Icon · Former Deputy Chairman, WA Tourism Commission
Started WA's first home-grown outbound tour operation — later part of Qantas.
My story
I started in Fremantle in freight and passenger shipping with Blue Funnel Line and Huddart Parker, before moving into international travel and becoming Passenger Manager on MV Centaur.
In 1970 I started the first WA-owned outbound tour operation, which became part of Qantas in 1986. I then worked on hotel and ground-operation negotiations from Indonesia through to China for Qantas until 1996. After leaving the airline, I co-founded Travel Tree, which grew into one of WA's largest corporate travel agencies.
Across that time I escorted major tours to Bhutan, Israel, China, Nepal and Japan — often managing large groups and complex logistics. I also bring 17 years of military planning experience and remain deeply involved in community support work.
How I help
I show people how the industry actually works behind the scenes — planning complex travel operations, negotiating with suppliers, handling clients, and spotting opportunities others miss. I help mentees think commercially and see how discipline, preparation and relationships translate into long-term success.
Why I mentor
To give back to the next generation, stay connected to where the industry is heading, and help emerging professionals see how broad tourism and travel careers can become if they're prepared and alert to opportunity.
