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Tātaki Auckland Unlimited has appointed Annie Dundas as its new director destination, leading its work with Auckland’s tourism, major and business events industries.
TAU chief executive Nick Hill says Annie brings a wealth of experience and extensive domestic and international networks to the role.
“Annie is a highly experienced, well-respected and connected professional in tourism, events and destination management.
“A key focus for Annie as director destination will be working with a range of industry partners along with central and local government to ensure Auckland remains competitive in the international market to increase arrivals and visitor numbers, win business events and secure and develop world-class events for our region,” says Nick.
Annie has been with TAU and its legacy organisation Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development since 2020, most recently as head of visitor economy. She has driven key pieces of work for Auckland’s visitor economy and industry, including TAU’s Destination Partnership Programme, the review of the region’s Destination AKL strategy, establishing Iconic Auckland Eats and ongoing research into Auckland’s night-time economy.
Her background includes 17 years at Tourism New Zealand (with nine years overseas in Los Angeles, London and Paris), heading regional tourism organisation Hawke’s Bay Tourism (including the creation of F.A.W.C! Food & Wine Classic Hawke’s Bay) and working for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa.
“Auckland is an incredible region but we all must play our part to ensure we stay relevant and on people’s lists for future travel,” says Annie.
“Whether prospective visitors are New Zealanders or busy sun-drenched Sydney-siders, we need to show off our incredible event and exhibition content, the venues we house, our unique Auckland experiences, our sublime food offering, and the depth of accommodation we have on offer.”
Annie takes up the role of director destination with immediate effect.
Director destination is one of two new executive roles created as a result of changes last year at TAU, an Auckland Council-controlled organisation and the region’s economic and cultural agency.
Nick says the new role recognises the importance of the destination industries to the region and seek to provide a stronger focus and voice for these areas within TAU’s executive structure.
The Destination function encompasses TAU’s major events, business events and visitor economy teams, and drives TAU’s connection with the destination industry and the achievement of shared outcomes, including increased visitation and economic benefits.
