PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - There's a new face at the helm of Plett Tourism after the recent resignation of the tourism body's chief executive, Marius Venter.
Venter, who took over the reins in March this year, submitted a letter of resignation to the Plett Tourism Board last month and stated the reason behind his departure was to "pursue opportunities in the private sector". The board accepted the resignation unanimously at a meeting on 23 September.
At the same meeting, Plett Tourism's project manager Patty Butterworth was appointed acting chief executive and her duties commenced on 1 October.
While she might be new to the position of CEO, Butterworth has been involved with Plett Tourism since its inception in 2013, and consequently the appointment was received with enthusiasm.
Bruce Richardson, on behalf of the board, thanked Venter for his contribution to the ongoing success of the association including the "re-establishment of an excellent cooperative working relationship" with Bitou Municipality during the Covid-19 lockdown. "We wish him the very best for his future endeavours which includes a new tourism venture in the form of running a well-known guesthouse in Plett," Richardson said.
He also welcomed Butterworth to the position. She has been a media and travel trade business development consultant for Plett Tourism since its inception in 2013 and has, in addition, worked extensively in the tourism industry over the course of more than two decades.
Butterworth also has more than 34 years of experience with corporate brands and publishing houses.
"This experience and her existing excellent working relationship with tourism industry operatives in the Bitou area and beyond make her the ideal candidate to assume the duties of Plett Tourism Chief executive during these challenging times," Richardson said.
"The board remains committed to supporting the seasoned Plett Tourism leadership team in overcoming the challenges inherent in rebuilding our vital tourism industry during the forthcoming period in our history."
Butterworth said it had been a privilege to serve as the association's project manager, especially having worked with dynamic leaders.
"I am incredibly proud of what our team and industry stakeholders have accomplished collaboratively over the course of seven years, and I remain very positive about the growth potential of tourism in Plettenberg Bay with the investment in the industry that we continue to stimulate," she said.
"In carrying my existing experience forward, I'm now looking forward to the new challenge of leading this dynamic team dedicated to the future of the tourism industry."
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