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Backpacker Youth Adventure Tourism Association chair Haydn Marriner will step down at the end of August after five years on the board, including four as chair.
BYATA says Haydn helped strengthen the association’s advocacy for the youth, backpacker and adventure tourism sector during his tenure, while building partnerships with Hospitality New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand.
The association says advocacy around working holiday visas remained a key focus during his time as chair, alongside the continued growth of BYATA’s annual conference programme.
BYATA general manager Katie Taylor says Haydn has played a significant role in shaping the organisation.
“Haydn’s leadership has helped position BYATA as much more than an association. It has become a genuine force for good, values-led, energetic, and deeply committed to making a difference for tourism in Aotearoa,” Katie says.
Reflecting on his time with the organisation, Haydn says it is the right time for new leadership to take BYATA into its next chapter.
The association is now preparing for its 2026 conference in Tauranga this August, which it says will be the first tourism industry conference to be held in the city.
BYATA says registrations are now open for the event and thanked Haydn for his contribution to the organisation and the wider tourism industry.
