Destination Queenstown’s Paul Abbot resigns

11th February 2022 By Staff Reporter | news@tourismticker.com | @tourismticker

Destination Queenstown chief executive Paul Abbot has resigned.

Abbot, who moved from Australia to start the role in July last year, will step down in March.

“His family were due to join him in late 2021, however with significantly obstructed borders between New Zealand and Australia this has not been possible,” said DQ on Friday afternoon.

Abbot is a former chief executive of PNG Air and was hired to the DQ role vacated by Graham Budd in January 2020, taking over from Ann Lockhart, who was acting in the role since Budd’s departure.

DQ chair Richard Thomas said Abbot decided to resign because of the ongoing border restrictions and the need to put his family first.

“The DQ board is very sad to see Paul go but can empathise with his extremely difficult position having his family stuck on the other side of the Tasman,” Thomas said.

“We understand his decision to put his family first. That’s the right call for Paul and his family.”

Thomas added that Abbot had “made a strong contribution to Destination Queenstown and the evolving destination management plan”.

“DQ itself is in strong position, with a stable leadership team that has been in place for many years and a committed team continuing to work hard to promote and support Queenstown businesses,” he said.

“There is significant ongoing work to keep the Queenstown brand top of mind with both consumers and trade, with well-developed plans ready to go once there is some certainty around international visitors to the region.”