“René has been an instrumental member of the Tourism New Zealand Executive Team for over five years and has done a fantastic job as interim CE over the past few months during in a uniquely challenging time for the sector and the organisation,” says Tourism New Zealand board chair, Jamie Tuuta.

“René is a strong advocate for working with government and the sector to ensure that it enriches Aotearoa and this will be particularly important as borders start to open.”

Tourism New Zealand continues to have a firm focus on encouraging domestic visitation to support New Zealand’s recovery and with news this week of quarantine travel with Australia about to open up the team is working with the sector to get Australians booking and to ensure that the industry is ‘Australia ready’.

The organisation is also working hard keeping New Zealand’s brand alive in other core markets for the eventual return of overseas visitors.

“Tourism is important to New Zealand’s recovery and as we get closer to the return of international visitors it’s incredibly important that this is balanced with ensuring tourism enriches our home, communities and people I look forward to working closely with government and sector to achieve this.” says new Tourism New Zealand chief executive René de Monchy.