TIANZ Chief Executive Martin Snedden to step down

Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIANZ) Chief Executive Martin Snedden will step down from the position at the end of March, Chairman Grant Lilly has announced.

Following his role as Chief Executive of the Rugby World Cup 2011 tournament organiser (Rugby New Zealand), Snedden took over at TIANZ in June 2012.

Since that time, TIANZ he has led the development of New Zealand's Tourism 2025 growth framework, which aims to help the $23.9 billion tourism industry achieve strong, durable long-term economic growth.

Tourism 2025 is due to be publicly released in early March.

Commenting on Snedden's departure, Lilly explained "on behalf of TIANZ's board of directors, I would like wish Martin all the best for his future and thank him for his efforts at TIANZ.

"He has been instrumental in strengthening tourism industry alignment at the national level, and has steered the way for the industry to face the challenges of the next decade."

Snedden said he had enjoyed his role at TIANZ and being involved in an industry that is a key economic driver for New Zealand's economy.

He stated "however, my involvement with New Zealand Cricket has been increasing recently and it has become unrealistic for me to carry out both roles effectively.

With the imminent release of Tourism 2025, I have decided this is an appropriate time for me to step down from TIANZ."

Snedden played 25 cricket tests, between 1981 and 1990, and 93 One Day Internationals, between 1980 and 1990, for New Zealand.

The search for a new TIANZ Chief Executive has already begun.

9th August 2012 - NEW ZEALAND TOURISM MUST ‘THINK DIFFERENT’: SNEDDEN