Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association (MRBTA) chief executive officer Pip Close has announced her resignation from the organisation, after nearly four years at the helm of first the Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association before taking the reins at the newly-formed MRBTA in 2015.
In a statement released last week, Ms Close said she would be vacating the role at the end of June and confirmed she would be relocating back to Queensland.
“It is with mixed emotions that I announce my departure from Your Margaret River Region to take up the position of CEO at Tourism Tropical North Queensland,” Ms Close said.
“I was unexpectedly approached for the role, and the opportunity was too good to turn down, [Tropical North Queensland] attracts more than 2.8 million visitors annually, and is in the top five destinations for international visitors.”
Ms Close headed the organisation through major changes to operational and departmental structure, while the region received a brand overhaul. Acting-CEO of Australia’s South West (ASW) Catrin Allsop said the positive effects of Ms Close’s efforts in the region would be recognised well into the future. “The launch of the Your Margaret River Region brand under the leadership of Pip Close has seen great progress in the destination marketing of the region, along with the creation of one Local Tourism Organisation under her guidance,” Ms Allsop said.
“The recent Memorandum of Understanding developed between MRBTA and ASW has allowed positive collaboration and reduced duplication in tourism promotion and servicing members and we look forward to continuing this work with the new CEO.”
Ms Close will continue to lead the organisation until her departure and said the recruitment of a new chief executive would begin immediately.
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to play a role in facilitating the development of the MRBTA team who, in conjunction with members and key stakeholders, have worked together to deliver positive results for the region’s tourism economy.
“The success has been forged by the pioneering of our board and members in voting to create a single LTO and take the region to greater heights.
“I am extremely proud of having been a part of this landmark decision.”