Destination Queenstown CEO moves to NZ’s key Asian markets

Wednesday, 29 February 2012, 11:43 am
Press Release: Destination Queenstown

29 February 2012

Destination Queenstown CEO moves to New Zealand’s key Asian markets

Destination Queenstown Board Chairman Mark Quickfall today announced the resignation of the organisation’s Chief Executive Tony Everitt who will join Tourism New Zealand’s Executive Team as General Manager – Asian Markets on 26 April 2012.

Mr Everitt’s role will be based in Shanghai, China, and will entail leadership and management of Tourism New Zealand’s Asian operations. Particular focus will be on the Asian travel trade, partnership strategies, including strategic partners such as airlines, and the travel industry in New Zealand.

Mr Everitt is no stranger to working for Tourism New Zealand, having previously held three senior management roles between 1993 and 2006 as Regional Manager Japan (Tokyo), Manager Marketing Operations (Wellington), and Regional Manager Asia (Singapore).

On behalf of the Destination Queenstown team, board members and membership, Mr Quickfall congratulated Mr Everitt on his new role and paid tribute to his service as CEO over the past two years.

“Tony’s commitment, drive, expertise and professionalism have been very much appreciated and we’re disappointed to lose him. He’s ably led the organisation and local industry through some challenging times and has built a strong, high performing team which together achieves outstanding results.

“However, our loss is Tourism New Zealand’s gain. Given Tony’s in-depth knowledge and experience in Asian markets, he’s the perfect choice to manage such a key market for New Zealand tourism and he will be a valuable addition to Tourism New Zealand’s Executive Team. We wish him all the very best in his new role.”

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor and Destination Queenstown Board Ex Officio member Vanessa Van Uden also expressed her thanks and appreciation.

“We’re extremely sad to see Tony go and thank him for his outstanding contribution to Queenstown tourism. He has put in place strong structures and relationships which will benefit us well into the future.”

Mr Everitt said that he was delighted to be taking on such an exciting and challenging role but would be sad to leave Queenstown.

“I’d really like to thank the Destination Queenstown team, board and members for their support, hard work, dedication and friendship. Living here has made me appreciate Queenstown’s strong entrepreneurial spirit, passion and melting pot of cultures - it’s part of what makes the town and its people so special. That’s something I’ll carry with me and remember when I’m marketing Queenstown from afar.”

Mr Everitt will attend this year’s Queenstown-based TRENZ event (7-10 May) in his new Tourism New Zealand capacity and will then join the Asian markets team in Shanghai on 14 May, subject to visa approval. His wife will join him in Shanghai at the end of the school year.

A recruitment process to fill the role of Destination Queenstown Chief Executive will begin shortly.

ENDS

© Scoop Media