Snap lockdowns, border closures, and major flooding were not enough to deter Patricia O'Callaghan from leading the Gold Coast to tourism stardom.
The Destination Gold Coast CEO will today hang up her hat as head of Australia's most popular tourism city.
"It's been a really challenging two years," she said.
"And to leave now, as there's so much momentum, I do feel sad.
"I think it'll be a big day, and well we'll see how I get through it."
As COVID took hold, before the ink could dry on Ms O'Callaghan's contract, the city lost millions of visitors and millions of dollars.
Before starting her last day in the top job, Ms O'Callaghan reflected on the highs and lows.
'Rollercoaster of emotion'
Ms O'Callaghan started at Destination Gold Coast in November 2020.
At the time, former chair Paul Donovan said she was chosen after an "extensive process" to find the right fit.
At its peak, the Gold Coast received 14.2 million visitors a year. During COVID, it lost 5.5 million of those visitors.
"It certainly has felt like 22 years … a few lifetimes, even though it's been 24 months," she said.
"But I think the difficult times were very much whenever we got some momentum and an outbreak occurred."
In the September quarter of 2021, the Gold Coast's tourism industry reported a loss of $1 billion compared to the same time the previous year.
At the time, Ms O'Callaghan said the industry was facing "some of its darkest days".
Throughout the pandemic, hopes of slight relief and the return of visitors for a school holiday or long weekend were often dashed at the last moment, due to snap lockdowns.
"So I think as the industry was gearing up, there would be an outbreak and obviously we'd all have to go back into our homes," she said.
"Just seeing that rollercoaster of emotion with our industry with the families that rely on visitors for income — it was a really, really difficult period."
Gold Coast 'absolute titan'
Despite a nightmarish two years, Ms O'Callaghan was more determined than ever to see the coast thrive.
She said the city was "an absolute titan of not just Queensland but Australia".
"We are the holiday destination for the country," she said.
"I think what COVID did was really [that] Australia rediscovered the Gold Coast."
She said numbers coming into Christmas were "solid".
"And we're coming out, I think, stronger than we've ever been. And I can only be more confident about the future of the industry on the Gold Coast."
'Fearless advocate'
Destination Gold Coast chair Adrienne Readings acknowledged how turbulent the industry had been through Ms O'Callaghan's time at the helm.
"Trish has been a fearless advocate and strong supporter of our tourism industry through the once-in-a-lifetime challenges of COVID-19, which is now emerging from the pandemic stronger than ever," she said.
"Throughout it all, Trish has made sure everybody knows there is no better travel destination in the world than the Gold Coast."
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate praised Ms O'Callaghan for her role in the city's COVID-19 bounce back.
"Trish's energy, drive and passion came at a time when our city was facing the biggest health crisis in history," he said.
"She worked tirelessly with members, council, and the community to keep tourism at the forefront of people's minds.
"She will excel in her new role."
Patricia O'Callaghan will take up the role of CEO at Tourism and Events Queensland.
Parting words
For other women hoping to become CEOs of major organisations, Ms O'Callaghan offered words of wisdom.
"I wouldn't claim I got to where I am today because I'm full of confidence," she said.
"And, you know, I'm always out there striving, I'm always out there trying hard.
"If you've got determination, I think there's always a way to find yourself through.
"And surround yourself with really great people."
