Media Release
Tuesday 13 May 2008
For Immediate Release
Positively Wellington Tourism Bids Farewell to Tim Cossar
Positively Wellington Tourism bids a sad farewell to CEO Tim Cossar, who announced today he will take up the position as
Chief Executive of the Tourism Industry Association.
Tim has been with Positively Wellington Tourism for the past 6 years, and has played an instrumental role in getting
Wellington on the map as a domestic and international visitor destination. He will take up his new appointment within
the next two to three months.
“It’s with much sadness that we farewell Tim, as his impact on Wellington’s tourism industry development has been
immeasurable,” says Glenys Coughlan, Chair of Positively Wellington Tourism. “Tim has given his heart and soul to
promoting Wellington, and his dynamic leadership style has inspired confidence from his staff, board, private sector
partners and the local tourism industry. I can’t think of a better person to now lead the team at TIA, and we wish him
all the very best in his new role.”
“Tim is leaving Positively Wellington Tourism in great heart. The Board and executive have been finalising a new 5 year
strategy for Wellington tourism, we are about to launch a new domestic marketing campaign that Tim has been instrumental
in the development of, and we are working on some significant new online marketing initiatives that will help to cement
us as leaders in New Zealand tourism.”
During Tim’s time at Positively Wellington Tourism, the organisation has taken a leadership role in domestic tourism
marketing. Its ‘Have a Love Affair with Wellington’ campaign was launched in 2005, winning the Tourism Marketing award
and Major Category Winner - Tourism and Transportation Services at the 2006 New Zealand Tourism Awards. The campaign
enjoys strong support from partners including Air New Zealand, Te Papa and Wellington hotels.
Tim has played a major role in attracting and promoting the iconic events that continue to draw visitors to Wellington.
He worked with the Wellington City Council to develop the events strategy and funding that has enabled the capital to
attract major events such as the Montana World of WearableArt™ Awards Show, NZI Sevens, the Air New Zealand Golden
Oldies World Rugby Festival as well as a number of large stadium concerts and sports events.
The development of Wellington’s tourism products has also been a key focus for Tim. He has been a strong advocate for
projects such as Karori Sanctuary’s Visitor and Education Centre, the refurbishment of Carter Observatory, and the
development of the proposed Marine Education Centre.
“I can truly say that working for Positively Wellington Tourism has been one of the best experiences of my career to
date,” says Tim. “I’ve been privileged to promote an amazing, vibrant city, with the support of a team of passionate
staff, a strong Board of Trustees and an amazingly collaborative local industry. My thanks also go to the Wellington
City Council and all our private sector partners, who continue to make it possible for us to do what we do.”
“It’s sad to leave this great organisation, but this is not farewell. I am looking forward to continuing to work in the
tourism industry, and keep forging the great working relationships I’ve developed with the sector.”
ENDS