Reappointment to the Northern Ireland tourist board

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has announced the reappointment of Mr Kevin Baird to the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).

Mr Baird has served on the Board of NITB since 1 February 2006 and has been instrumental in guiding it through this challenging period. His re-appointment for a further three year term, commenced on 1 February 2009.

Commenting on the reappointment, Arlene Foster said: “The Executive’s Programme for Government has set stretching targets to increase tourism levels here, which include increasing the number of tourist visiting the region from 1.98million to 2.5million by 2011 and increasing tourism revenue from £370million to £520million.

“The wide range of skills and experiences that Mr Baird brings to the Board will continue to assist NITB in its pursuit to grow and develop Northern Ireland tourism. I know Mr Baird will build on his valuable work to date with the Board.”

The reappointment has been made in accordance with the Code of Practice of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland.

Membership of the Board of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board carries a remuneration of £4,945 per annum.

Notes to Editors:

1. Pen Picture

MR KEVIN BAIRD

Kevin Baird is the first Chief Executive of the Irish Heritage Trust. He was previously the Heritage Lottery Fund's Manager for Northern Ireland.

An architect by profession, he has worked in the private, public and voluntary sectors in Belfast, London and South Africa. Kevin first became active in conservation through the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society and then with the Building Preservation Trust Movement where he was a founding director of the Belfast Buildings Preservation Trust. Kevin is a strong advocate for heritage and the economic benefits it brings through tourism, and is passionate about making our heritage available for everyone to enjoy. He has lectured widely on heritage, architecture and conservation planning. Kevin is a member of the Management Committee for Ulster Garden Villages Ltd. and a board member of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

2. Mr Baird does not hold any other Ministerial appointments and has not undertaken any political activity in the last five years.

3. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board was originally established under the Development of the Tourist Traffic Act (NI) 1948. Its constitution and continuation were affirmed in the Tourism (NI) Order 1992. NITB is funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment from monies provided by Parliament. The aims of the NITB are to: encourage tourism; encourage the provision and improvement of tourist accommodation and tourist amenities; and advise the department generally on the formulation and implementation of its policy in relation to the development of tourism.

4. Under the provisions of the Order, the Board of the NITB shall consist of nine members, including a chairman.

5. All appointments and reappointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for the political activity of appointees (if any declared) to be published.

6. For media enquiries please contact the DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9297.

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