The chairman of Tourism Queensland will step down when his term expires in October.

However Don Morris says his decision was made more than a year ago, well before the state election in March which saw the Liberal National Party swept to power in a landslide.

"After five years in an extremely demanding role, I’m looking forward to spending some quality family time and pursuing my other tourism interests,’’ Mr Morris said in a statement.

The tourism chief said he was very proud of Tourism Queensland and remains optimistic about the future of the industry in the state.

"We’ve endured some pretty rocky times over the past couple of years, but I have no doubt that the good times will return with a vengeance.

"Queensland Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey thanked Mr Morris for his five-year commitment and leadership through some of the most challenging times in the industry’s history.

"Mr Morris’s enthusiasm and advocacy played a positive role in assisting Queensland’s tourism businesses," Ms Stuckey said.

The government has begun the process of appointing a new chairman.

AAP