A local businessman who has helped grow some of Wānaka’s top tourism assets has been hired as Destination Queenstown’s chief executive.

Mat Woods, known for his distinctive glasses, passion for all things snowsports, and business acumen, will take the reins at Destination Queenstown on June 20, company chair Richard Thomas confirmed yesterday (Thursday May 19).

“The DQ Board were impressed with Mat’s energetic approach and his understanding of the issues, the sector and his involvement in the development of the region’s destination management plan,” Richard said. 

“He brings strong leadership and commercial skills and a deep focus and understanding of revenue generation. He is entrepreneurial and has a solid history of building businesses.”

Mat is also currently the chair of Lake Wānaka Tourism and a member of the Snow Sports NZ Board.

Most recently he held the role of general manager at NZ Fine Touring and prior to that he was GM of Queenstown Experience at RealNZ and head of sales and services at Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone. 

Before entering tourism, Mat had run operations for Torpedo7 and been a managing director of R&R Sport. 

The Wānaka App profiled Matt in 2020, learning about his unconventional path, his love of the snow and his views on local tourism. 

See also: Sunday Profile: Mat Woods - Opportunity knocks

Former Destination Queenstown chief executive Paul Abbott resigned earlier this year.

Mat’s strong stakeholder management skills and his experience with Lake Wānaka Tourism mean he will be able to “hit the ground running,” Richard said.

Mat said he is excited to take on the role and looking forward to getting started next month.

PHOTO: Supplied