Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive, Rob Giason, has confirmed he will step down in December after eight years in the role.
During Giason's tenure, the Queensland region was hit by a turbulent period of international events, natural disasters and aviation cuts. But he is confident that the local tourism industry has emerged "stronger and more resilient" and that he leaves TTNQ "on track" to achieve its goal of boosting tourism expenditure in the region by $1 billion to $3.2 billion in 2015.
In a statement he said: "It is with a heavy heart that I have made this decision to cease my full-time tourism career, but there comes a time to look at the world in a different light and enjoy the lifestyle I have been so passionately selling for the past eight years, starting with moving my morning bike ride from 5.30am to 7am and stopping for a relaxing morning coffee or three afterwards."
TTNQ chair Stephen Gregg paid tribute to Giason's achievements as chief executive and gave his decision the full support of the board.
'Rob is leaving this chapter of a remarkable career knowing that the tourism industry he led through tought times is now forging ahead with strong growth," he said.
Meanwhile, he confirmed TTNQ will begin recruiting for a replacement immediately, with a new chief to be in place by the time of Giason's departure on December 20.
