TNZ’s new chief on the block

RECENTLY appointed chief exec at Tourism New Zealand Stephen England-Hall was keen to press the flesh with industry stakeholders at last week’s travel & tourism showcase, TRENZ.

The former boss of Loyalty New Zealand, the company behind Fly Buys, used TRENZ to detail his priorities in the role and get to know NZ suppliers, buyers and media from around the world.

England-Hall detailed a four-year strategy to ensure tourism remains “an industry of significance”, and highlighted a range of new opportunities.

“I think tourism needs to encapsulate the essence of the authenticity of the culture and the people. And I think we do a pretty good job of that, but we can’t be complacent and I think we need to focus on that further.”

He said it was important for NZ to concentrate on projects that would make the nation’s tourism sector sustainable, desirable & unique for the long-term.

England-Hall suggested there needed to be greater collaboration and integration between the govt and industry.

“While Tourism New Zealand continues to focus its efforts and resources and its mental muscle and its reach into driving demand and in consideration of New Zealand as a tourism destination, you will see us take a more active hand at assisting and aligning the efforts of the domestic market and servicing that demand”.

England-Hall (right) is pictured above at TRENZ last week with Tourism Industry Aotearoa’s chief executive, Chris Roberts.