Tourism salutes two industry giants

Tourism salutes two industry giants

Two giants of the tourism industry are stepping down from their leading roles this month and will be missed, says the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA).

Air New Zealand Deputy Chief Executive Norm Thompson and Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Jim Boult are leaving their pivotal positions after dedicated service to New Zealand’s $23.9 billion tourism industry.

“Both Jim and Norm have made huge contributions to growing our tourism industry over many decades. On behalf of TIA’s 1500 members, I thank them for their efforts,” TIA Chief Executive Martin Snedden says.

Mr Thompson is retiring after 45 years with Air New Zealand. During his career, he has held numerous roles that have raised New Zealand’s profile with international travellers, including Group General Manager Short Haul Airlines (with accountability for domestic, Tasman and Pacific operations), Group General Manager Marketing, Network and Sales, Regional General Manager The Americas and Regional General Manager New Zealand and Pacific Islands.

He joined the board of TIA in in 2003, representing the Air Transport Sector. He chaired the TIA board between 2006 and 2013.

Mr Thompson has taken a lead on environmental issues, chairing the Air New Zealand Environment Trust, which is committed to supporting projects that enhance New Zealand's clean, green reputation around the world.

He has recently been appointed to the board of Tourism New Zealand.

His outstanding contribution to the industry was recognised when he was awarded the Crowe Horwath International Sir Jack Newman Award for his contribution to New Zealand’s tourism industry in October 2013. Judges said Mr Thompson had been a passionate advocate for the interests of New Zealand and its tourism industry over many years.

Mr Boult has been in his Christchurch Airport role since February 2009 and was a crown appointee to the CIAL board for six years before that. He was named 'Airport Personality of the Year' by the NZ Airports Association in both 2010 and 2013. In 2011, CIAL was awarded the Jim Collins Award for an Outstanding Contribution to Aviation Safety, recognising CIAL's actions before and after the Canterbury earthquakes.

He is a former Director and Deputy Chairman of Tourism New Zealand and has been Director, Managing Director and Chairman of several substantial public and private companies. For 16 years, he was the Managing Director of Shotover Jet, which offers one of New Zealand's most famous tourism experiences.

“Both Norm and Jim will continue to take an active interest in tourism and its progress, and that the industry will continue to benefit from the enormous knowledge and skills. We wish them all the best for the next stage of their careers,” Mr Snedden says.

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