Tourism Industry Association (TIA) New Zealand's chief executive Tim Cossar has resigned to take up the reins at one of New Zealand's top tourist attractions.
Cossar will step down from his role in the New Year to head up Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua.
TIA chairman Norm Thompson said Cossar had been instrumental in lifting the profile of the visitor economy with government and decision makers.
"Tim has shown real leadership through one of the most challenging periods the tourism industry has ever faced. In that time, TIA has made tangible progress on a range of issues affecting the tourism industry and provided strong support to the Association's 1700 members."
The search for a new chief executive at TIA was underway, Thompson said.
