Nova Scotia Tourism Agency Inaugural Board Appointed

NOTE: A list of interim board members follows this release.

The province is boosting its efforts to become stronger and more competitive in the tourism industry by working more closely with partners.

Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris announced the inaugural board of the Nova Scotia Tourism Agency today, Nov. 27.

"Tourism is an important economic driver for every region of the province and we are taking another step forward to engage our partners and grow the industry," said Mr. Paris. "With the high-calibre of talent on the board, I'm confident there is clear, strategic direction that will make the industry stronger and bring economic benefits for the province."

The advisory board's primary role is to provide advice and leadership on finalizing and implementing a long-term strategy for tourism.

The board has industry, business and government leaders with international marketing and business development experience, including Tom Ruth, chair of the interim board and president and CEO of the Halifax International Airport Authority.

"I am very pleased to continue in my role as board chair," said Mr. Ruth. "It is a wonderful opportunity to do rewarding work in an exciting industry, with a great team. We will continue to work collaboratively to enhance the newly established Nova Scotia Tourism Agency and implement a long-term strategy that will help Nova Scotia's visitor economy reach its greatest potential."

The interim board, which has been in place since September 2011, has helped to create a permanent charter, recruit a CEO and develop a long-term strategy.

"I want to thank the interim board for its dedication and commitment to getting the Nova Scotia Tourism Agency up and running," said Mr. Paris. "The members have laid the foundation and can be assured that the new board will build on their great work to find new and innovative ways to create good jobs and grow the tourism industry."

Future appointments will be part of the biannual agencies, boards and commissions process.

The agency will be located in Windsor, fulfilling a commitment to move good jobs outside metro and support families and businesses in rural communities.

Following is a list of Nova Scotia Tourism Agency inaugural board members:

• Chair: Tom Ruth of Halifax Regional Municipality, president and CEO of the Halifax International Airport Authority
• Vice-chair: Irene d'Entremont, Yarmouth, president, ITG Information Management Inc.
• Jeff Farwell, Halifax Regional Municipality, owner, CEO Murphy's the Cable Wharf
• Robert Winters, Colchester, counsel to Burchell MacDougall
• Danny Morton, Queens, general manager, White Point Beach Resort
• Ben Cowan-Dewer, Inverness, co-founder, managing director Cabot Links
• Paul Stackhouse, Annapolis, owner Hillsdale House Inn
• Glenn Squires, Halifax Regional Municipality, CEO Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc.
• Simon d'Entremont, deputy minister Economic and Rural Development and Tourism