Harrison joined Tourism Australia in 2017 as its executive general manager international, before being appointed the organisation’s managing director in 2019.

“It’s been the greatest privilege of my career to lead Tourism Australia on behalf of an industry I love and have dedicated my life to,” she says.

“Australian tourism has a powerful story to tell – not only about the unforgettable experiences we offer but the economic, social and cultural value we deliver across the country.

“I’m proud to have represented this resilient industry through challenging times, and I’m deeply grateful to the team at Tourism Australia for its passion, professionalism and unwavering love for this incredible country.”

Penny Fowler AM, chair of Tourism Australia’s board, has thanked Harrison for her achievements in her role as managing director, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the past year seeing Australia welcome more than eight million visitors for the first time in five years.

“Under Pip’s leadership, Tourism Australia has demonstrated the importance of our tourism industry to our nation,” says Fowler.

“Pip’s vision has been to grow a sustainable tourism sector, which was particularly challenging when faced with the devastating impacts of the Black Summer bushfires of 2019 and 2020, and a global pandemic.

“Pip led the organisation’s response, with a series of domestic campaigns, including “Holiday Here This Year”, alongside industry support initiatives while international travel was on hold for two years.

“When the world reopened, Tourism Australia was ready to go with global campaigns and innovative support programs such as the first ever National Experience Content Initiative to help industry accelerate preparedness to attract and welcome visitors.

“Pip will be missed greatly, but she has created a legacy of strong industry engagement, a culture of global and national connection and creativity, and determination to succeed despite the most difficult of times.

“On behalf of everyone at Tourism Australia, we sincerely thank Pip for her enormous contribution to the organisation and industry, and look forward to continuing to work with the strong leadership team supporting the organisation.”

Harrison’s new role abroad has not yet been announced.