MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Distribution

Premier Houston Addresses TIANS Annual General Meeting

 Halifax, NS (October 6, 2021) – On October 6th the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) hosted members from across Nova Scotia for a Virtual Annual General Meeting.  The meeting kicked off with remarks by the Honourable Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia, who recognized the importance of the sector and committed to working with TIANS to rebuild the Nova Scotia tourism economy.  “In 2020 Tourism revenue dropped to $900 Million from $2.6 Billion in 2019. Tourism is the hardest hit sector and will require industry and government working together,” says Darlene Grant Fiander, President of TIANS.

Prior to COVID-19, the tourism industry generated over $450 Million in tax revenue to support government’s infrastructure investments.  “A healthy tourism economy is crucial as government tackles its aggressive economic and social agenda,” says Grant Fiander.

The Annual General Meeting also saw the acceptance of TIANS new Board of Directors

2021/2022 Board of Directors

Wes Surrett, TIANS Chair – General Manager, Pictou Lodge Beach Resort

Judy Saunders, TIANS Past Chair

Kevin Toth, Secretary/Treasurer – President, Fox Harb’r Resort

Beatrice Stutz, NSTHRC Chair – Owner Manager, Le Caveau Restaurant/The Inn at Grand Pré Winery

Robert Bernard – Executive Director, Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network

Blair Pardy – Field Unit Supervisor, Parks Canada

Marie Manning – Vice President and CCO, Halifax International Airport Authority

Neil MacKenzie – Executive Director, Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association

Leslie Wilson – President and General Manager, Ski Wentworth

Wayne Carter – Executive Director, Atlantic Film Festival Association

Sean Doucet – Senior Director, Operations, SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts

John Simon – President, Canadvac Travel Service/Kefi Travel

“The Tourism Industry will play an integral role in rebuilding the Nova Scotia economy post COVID-19,” said incoming TIANS Board Chair, Wes Surrett.  TIANS looks forward to continuing to support Industry moving forward and collaborating with government to ensure the industry can take its rightful place as a leading generator of tax revenues and employment for the province.”

TIANS is the voice of tourism, representing its members and industry at large.  Working with partner associations and stakeholders, TIANS is committed to representing the best interests of the industry; enhancing and supporting the development of a competitive business environment; advocating on issues critical to the industry’s success; and most importantly, leading Nova Scotia’s most promising economic sector.

-30-

For more information:

Darlene Grant Fiander, TIANS President
6589 Chebucto Road, Halifax, NS B3K 2Z8
T: (902) 496-7479 E: [email protected]