Stuart Perry from New Zealand is the first General Manager of the newly established Tonga Tourism Authority.

His apppointment started the daily operation of the authority in January 2014, to ensure the delivery of outputs mandated in the Tonga Tourism Authority Act 2012. The Act established the private-sector led authority to drive the marketing of Tonga as a tourism destination, with strong partnership between public and private sectors.

Mr Perry was formerly the CEO of the Regional Tourism Organization for the East Coast of Tasmania. His work included close collaborations with both the private sector and local government in Australia and New Zealand, - both forming Tonga’s primary tourism market.

He has over 30-years experience in general management, tourism management, marketing and brand management in media and publishing.

The Authority is situated at the former Ministry of Tourism office on Vuna Road, Nuku'alofa.