John MacDonald's new business will provide the tourism industry with marketing and mentoring services, underpinned by his 24 years' experience in the industry.
That experience included being an owner-operator with Danes Shotover Rafts Ltd; the establishment of the Queenstown Information Centre; overseeing the restructure and rebranding of Destination Queenstown during a three-year sting as chairman; three years as Queenstown Winter Marketing Group chairman; and founding Whyte Waters Group, a tourism publisher and real-time bookings systems developer.
Mr MacDonald said the time was right for his new venture.
"There has not been a better time or more need for this kind of service in the 24 years I have been involved in the industry.
"When times get tough, the tough get going, and now is the time business people need to focus on marketing.
"When the cake is smaller, as it looks like it will be next year, individuals and executives need smart, strategic marketing activity to make sure they attract their share.
"This is where mentoring and advice can help a business through challenging times."
Tourism Macs Ltd had also acquired the Quickstop Auto Service business at Glenda Dr - the workshop serviced and maintained tourism fleet's rental cars and private vehicles with an immaculate workshop and two fully qualified mechanics.
"Quickstop has had a very low profile, relying only on word of mouth to market its excellent reliable service and fleet contracts.
"It has all the ingredients of a fantastic business if we add a little marketing.
"We have already rebranded the premises, significantly improving visibility, and we plan to build our profile and volume over the coming year.
"This business is a logical extension to my passion for rallying and the ClassicRallySport.com site I'm developing.
"Most people won't know that I've been involved in rallying for a long time - I was national Novice Champion in 1979 and this year rallied my classic Mazda RX7 in three events."
Mr MacDonald said Quickstop specialised in preventive maintenance, servicing and repairs of any make or model, provided honest advice and an independent tyre service.
