Bulletin from the Interim Chair of the NSTA

Dear partners,

The members of the interim board of the Nova Scotia Tourism Agency and staff from the Tourism division have been working diligently with key stakeholders to forge ahead with next steps to create a long-term tourism strategy for the industry.

On behalf of the board, I’d like to update you on the progress we are making within the various working groups toward achieving our objectives. 

As I mentioned in our most recent bulletin, the interim board has engaged Bluteau DeVenney & Company to help us facilitate the development of a strategic plan for the industry.  We have partnered with Bluteau DeVenney in a collaborative process to reach out and consult with industry members – to examine the challenges we are facing, discuss opportunities for growth and identify our greatest strengths – to build a profitable and vibrant tourism sector for Nova Scotia. 

The interim board and Bluteau DeVenney will continue to seek input from stakeholders, including private industry members, government employees, business leaders and supporting associations, through online surveys and regional focus groups.   To participate in the survey, please visit at www.gov.ns.ca/econ/tourism.  Please also see details below on upcoming focus groups taking place throughout the province.

In the meantime, if you wish to contact Bluteau DeVenney, please direct your inquiries to Wayne Woodard at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

This information-gathering stage of the process will continue until February 6.  Once that stage is complete, the Long-term Strategy working group will synthesize and evaluate the data for trends and themes, and identify the necessary action items required to establish a successful strategy.

While this work proceeds, the interim board is also working to meet other major objectives, including the appointment of a CEO, and setting and implementing a winning tourism plan for 2012.

Our HR committee continues to work closely with Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette to identify potential successful leaders to fill the role of CEO.  To date, we have received a positive response from a large number of candidates.  We are in the process of creating a long list of applicants and expect to hold interviews in the next few weeks.

In early January, the interim board’s 2012 Tourism Plan working group met with key stakeholders to discuss the key elements of an innovative plan for the upcoming season, including market allocation, brand positioning, brand experience and channels of communication.  This team continues to work in concert with the strategy working group to ensure we are in line with feedback we are receiving from our stakeholders.

Your contribution to this important work is essential.  I want to thank all of those who are already engaged in this process for their thoughtful input and dedication to the industry.  If you have not already done so, please be sure to make your voice heard.  Participate in our online survey, which can be accessed at www.gov.ns.ca/econ/tourism, and attend one of our regional focus groups.  Together, we will create a long-term strategy for tourism to help Nova Scotia compete at its fullest potential on the world stage.

Sincerely,

Tom Ruth
Chair, Interim Board of the NSTA

 A schedule of dates and locations for the regional focus groups follows:

Update from the Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism

On January 12, Premier Darrell Dexter announced the appointment of Simon d'Entremont as deputy minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism.

Mr. d'Entremont, a native of West Pubnico, has more than 15 years experience working for the federal government. He was regional director general in the Atlantic region for Health Canada and regional director at Industry Canada, Atlantic region. He has also held a number of positions with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. He began his career in the private sector as stock broker with Scotia McLeod Inc. 

Mr. d'Entremont started his new position on January 23. He replaces Sandra McKenzie, who has been appointed deputy minister of Labour and Advanced Education.