Source: Tourism New Zealand
“Over the last four years Stephen has done a fantastic job growing preference for New Zealand internationally and domestically through innovative activity and supporting and advocating for the industry,” says Tourism New Zealand Board Chair, Jamie Tuuta.
“From day one Stephen has advocated for a tourism sector that gave back more than it takes to our people and communities and has played a leading role working alongside government and other agencies on ways to achieve this.”
“As we continue to face COVID-19 challenges, it’s an incredibly important time to continue our work to encourage domestic visitation and support the industry so we will be recruiting for a new CE immediately.”
“The Tourism New Zealand whānau wish Stephen well in his role as Chief Executive of Wayfare Group, a well-established tourism operation. It will also be welcome news to the industry that Stephen will be staying in the tourism sector.”
Stephen will remain in the Tourism New Zealand CE role until January 2021. The Tourism New Zealand board will appoint an acting role shortly who will undertake handover with Stephen over the coming months and cover the role until a permanent replacement is appointed. England-Hall will relocate to Queenstown to join Wayfare in late January 2021.
“Tourism is vital to New Zealand’s recovery and I am pleased to be staying in the tourism family to continue supporting the sector,” Stephen England-Hall says.
“Tourism New Zealand is in a fantastic space with a firm focus on encouraging domestic visitation to support New Zealand’s recovery, keeping the brand alive internationally for the return of overseas visitors while ensuring that tourism gives back more than it takes to Aotearoa and its people.”
“I am incredibly proud of the team and look forward to seeing them continue and evolve their work.”
England-Hall joined the Tourism New Zealand team in March 2017.
