Tourism boss signs off
THE man credited for turning around the region's tourism industry will semi-retire at the end of June, leaving big shoes to fill.
Bundaberg North Burnett Tourism general manager James Corvan said it had been a rewarding two-and-a-half years in the job.
"It's a bit sad, but it's time to call it quits," he said.
"It's time to let someone with fresh and new ideas continue with the work."
Mr Corvan said he had given plenty of notice to allow a suitable replacement to be found.
"I let them know in February that I wouldn't be continuing in the role," Mr Corvan said.
"The position has been advertised and they are going through the recruitment process now.
"There are some really high-quality applicants."
But the region won't have to say its goodbyes just yet - Mr Corvan will continue on in a less permanent role for some time to help his replacement settle in and oversee some of the projects he has started.
He is also looking forward to giving back to the tourism industry and sharing his knowledge.
"I've already been asked to be the keynote speaker at an event for tourism organisations in Tasmania," he said.
"I'm going to use Bundaberg as a really positive case study.
"We've shown what you can achieve when you find a really good product to promote."
Mr Corvan found that special product in Bundaberg with the Mon Repos turtle experience.
This year Mon Repos recorded its highest number of visitors, which the tourism boss said was satisfying to see.
Former Bundaberg North Burnett Tourism chairman Greg Barnes gave full credit to the success at Mon Repos to Mr Corvan's marketing campaign.
"In his time here, James achieved more than I ever expected," Cr Barnes said.
"His turtle marketing campaign was phenomenal.
"It will be a terrible shame to see him go."
