YARMOUTH - Neil MacKenzie, executive director of the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association (YASTA), has been appointed to the board of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS).
TIANS has been a champion of advocacy for the tourism industry in Nova Scotia for over 40 years. They work on behalf of Nova Scotia’s tourism operators and the 40,000 people employed in the province’s largest industry.
The TIANS board has representation from all main geographic regions throughout the province, representing hundreds of tourism businesses.
It is the provincial voice of tourism and remains active on many fronts related to the tourism industry such as labour, the sharing economy and training for operators.
MacKenzie feels TIANS is an important partner for regional tourism.
“Provincial tourism operators were devastated when the international ferry link ceased operation in 2009. It was four very difficult years of advocating for the return of this critical marine link,” he said.
“TIANS was always there working on our behalf and were one of the strongest voices fighting for the return of the international ferry link. Without their support the challenge would have been much more difficult.”
TIANS board chair Judy Saunders says the mandate of TIANS is to improve the business environment for tourism across the entire province.
“We are extremely pleased to have Neil join the TIANS board of directors,” she said.
“He brings a unique perspective from the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores region and we know he will add great value to the discussions as we strive to ensure tourism becomes Nova Scotia #1 service export.”
Visit the TIANS corporate website for more information about the organization.