The Lake Wanaka Tourism (LWT) board has announced the appointment of Tim Barke as acting general manager for the regional tourism organisation (RTO). 

The board is undertaking a full recruitment process for a permanent general manager after the recent departure of James Helmore, who was in the role for more than 11 years. 

Tim, who has been a senior manager in the tourism industry for many years, will serve in the position while a permanent GM is sought.

Tim has filled similar roles at Kiwi Discovery, Queenstown Rafting & Extreme Green Rafting and Cavell’s Cafe and Bar. Most recently he was the general manager of Totally Tourism Limited, which runs a large stable of aviation, cruise, and active adventure businesses, operating out of several key South Island tourism spots.

“With Tim’s depth of knowledge and sound understanding of the tourism industry we’re confident that he will hit the ground running and be an asset for both the organisation and local industry,” LWT board chair Mat Woods said. 

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An acting general manager was sought because finding a permanent replacement could be time consuming and LWT had a lot of work underway, Mat said.

Tim said he was excited to be working alongside the team at LWT and Wanaka businesses at such a pivotal time for the industry.

“The tourism sector depends on capable, secure and adequately resourced RTOs to lead and coordinate activities alongside the tourism operators, stakeholders, Māori/iwi and local communities to create a more productive, sustainable and inclusive tourism industry.”

“I am really looking forward to working with the Lake Wanaka Tourism team, and members to help achieve this”, Tim said. 

RTOs were crucial to the local economy, he said.

Tim’s official start date is Monday August 10 and the LWT team said it looked forward to having him on board.

LWT was granted $700,000 from the government last week to support the tourism industry’s recovery, will be used to assist with domestic marketing, industry capability building, and destination management.

PHOTO: Supplied