Tourism New Zealand CEO Stephen England-Hall has announced his departure after nearly four years with the organisation.

Mr England-Hall will relocate to Queenstown to join Wayfare next January, with the Tourism New Zealand board set to appoint an acting role shortly.

He said he was looking forward to supporting the sector in his new position.

At a glance: 

• Tourism New Zealand is on the hunt for a new CEO after Stephen England-Hall announced his resignation.
• Mr England-Hall will relocate to join Wayfare next January.
• He will remain in the Tourism New Zealand CEO role until 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," he said.

"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."

Tourism New Zealand Board Chair Jamie Tuuta paid tribute to Mr England-Hall as an advocate for the industry.

"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," he said.

"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.

Stephen will remain in the Tourism New Zealand CEO role until January 2021.

Similar to this: 

New Zealand records most popular international visitor numbers ever throughout Spring

New Zealanders invited to be part of new global tourism campaign

Community first for 100% Experience Award winners