Craig Nancarrow the new CEO for Knysna Tourism

Craig Nancarrow has been appointed CEO of Knysna Tourism. Nancarrow, who is currently CEO of Hibiscus Coast Tourism, will take up his new position in mid-January 2005. Chairperson of Knysna Tourism, Jenny Smith, said that the board is thrilled to have found the right person for the job. "This has been a long process and we cast our net wide to find someone of Craig's calibre. We are looking forward to welcoming him to Knysna."

Nancarrow brings 12 years of destination marketing experience to Knysna, gained at national, provincial and local level.

Nancarrow began his tourism career with the South African Tourism Board. In the late '90s he worked for the Eastern Cape Tourism Board and then took up the position of MD for Tourism East London before moving to the KwaZulu Natal South Coast.

Under his leadership, the streamlined and consolidated Hibiscus Coast Tourism was recognised as the best local destination marketing organisation in KZN and won the service excellence award from the Provincial Authority.

Amongst his recent marketing achievements Nancarrow includes the Sardine Run marketing campaign. He also pursued Beach Tourism potential for South Africa and presently the Hibiscus Coast boasts five of only 14 Blue Flag beaches in southern Africa. The area is also recognised as the most popular domestic family holiday destination in South Africa.

Craig enjoys water sports particularly diving, fishing and swimming and believes that the Knysna Lagoon will yield the monster fish he is seeking! He plays golf and is an ex Round Tabler. He has two children whom he says are looking forward to living in Knysna.

Smith confirmed that until Nancarrow takes up his position, Knysna Tourism will continue to run as it has done in the absence of a CEO for the past nine months. Interim Manager Erika Rautenbach resigned earlier this month.

Says Smith: "The board extends its sincere appreciation to the team at Knysna Tourism for collectively ensuring the seamless delivery of services to its members in terms of information, advertising and events."