Pip Harrison to depart Tourism Australia

Tourism Australia Managing Director Pip Harrison has announced that she is to step down from the role in August to take on a new position in the United Araba Emirates.

Promoted to the Managing Director role in 2019 she was later reappointed for a further term in 2024.

Thanking Harrison for her achievements which in the last year has seen Australia welcome more than eight million visitors for the first time in five years, Penny Fowler, Chair of the Tourism Australia, stated "under Pip’s leadership, Tourism Australia has demonstrated the importance of our tourism industry to our nation.

“Pip’s vision has been to grow a sustainable tourism sector, which was particularly challenging when faced with the devastating impacts of the Black Summer bushfires of 2019 and 2020 and a global pandemic.

“When the world reopened, Tourism Australia was ready to go with global campaigns and innovative support programs such as the first ever National Experience Content Initiative to help industry accelerate their preparedness to attract and welcome visitors.

“Pip will be missed greatly, but she has created a legacy of strong industry engagement, a culture of global and national connection and creativity, and the determination to succeed despite the most difficult of times.”

Commenting on her time at Tourism Australia, Harrison (pictured) stated "it’s been the greatest privilege of my career to lead Tourism Australia on behalf of an industry I love and have dedicated my life to. Australian tourism has a powerful story to tell, not only about the unforgettable experiences we offer but also, the economic, social and cultural value we deliver across the country.

“I’m proud to have represented this resilient industry through challenging times, and I’m deeply grateful to the team at Tourism Australia for their passion, professionalism and unwavering love for this incredible country.”