Dr Stuart Toplis is a Melbourne-based tourism professional with more than three decades of experience across Australia’s travel, tourism and government sectors.  He has developed deep expertise in tourism policy, regional development, industry sustainability, and crisis management, working closely with government agencies, regional tourism boards/Visitor Economy Partnerships, and industry stakeholders across Victoria.

Stuart holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Tourism from RMIT University and has built a career spanning roles in state government, regional tourism and not-for-profit organisations, including long term leadership positions supporting regional tourism organisations and strengthening collaboration between tourism, emergency management, and sustainability sectors.  His work has been particularly influential in advancing tourism crisis preparedness and response, with his approach to crisis management recognised nationally within the industry.

He now works independently as a tourism consultant, applying his extensive networks, strategic insight, and advocacy skills to support destinations and tourism businesses in navigating complex policy, sustainability, and resilience challenges.