After the announcement that the NZ Hotel Council will be folded into the TIA from 1 April, we are pleased to learn that Martin Snedden will be taking over as the Chief Executive of the TIA.
Snedden with his sporting, legal and past positions heading NZ Cricket and the Rugby World Cup has proven to be media savvy and very capable to give good sound-bites when required. Snedden has the potential to give a whole lot more profile and change the voice of an expanded TIA.
It will be interesting to see how future advocacy issues (particularly for the accommodation sector) will be progressed and if other trade associations in the tourism sector will be able to offer comparable services to their members.
"RWC chief to head Tourism Industry Assn
30 March 2012Source: Click HERE
Rugby World Cup 2011 chief Martin Snedden has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA), Chairman Norm Thompson has announced.
“We are delighted to attract someone of Martin’s calibre and experience to lead the organisation representing one of New Zealand’s biggest export industries. He demonstrated superb leadership skills to stage an extremely successful RWC 2011 and we look forward to him bringing those skills to TIA,” Mr Thompson says.
According to Mr Thompson, Mr Snedden realised the extent and importance of the tourism industry to New Zealand’s economy through his involvement in RWC 2011. Throughout the build-up to the tournament, he worked closely with airlines, hotels and other tourism sectors to ensure New Zealand was ready to host the largest event ever held here.
“He’s very keen to become more deeply involved in the industry, which delivers $9.7 billion in foreign exchange to our economy every year,” he says.
“Coming on top of our announcement earlier this week of the decision to integrate TIA and the New Zealand Hotel Council, we believe Martin’s appointment will further strengthen tourism industry representation at the national level, and help TIA achieve even better outcomes for its members.”
Mr Snedden says his goal in accepting his new role is to increase the visibility of tourism as a key economic driver to New Zealand’s economy.
“This is an industry that adds $63 million to the economy every day of the year. It supports one in every 10 jobs and delivers close to 9% of our GDP. The industry is a critical part of New Zealand’s economy and we can do much more to grow it,” he says.
“I’m committed to New Zealand and I’m proud of what it has to offer, both to our international visitors and to New Zealanders travelling in their own country.”
As the leading advocate for the private sector, TIA will be active in helping grow the industry, which creates jobs and supports businesses in every region of New Zealand, he says.
Mr Snedden will take up his new role in early June. TIA Board member Grant Lilly will act as interim Chief Executive until then."
