Bruce Baird returns as TTF Chair

Tourism industry veteran Bruce Baird has returned to the Chairman’s role at the industry peak body, the Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF).

Baird, a former NSW Minister for Transport, Tourism, Roads and Minister for Sydney's successful Olympic Bid, has been appointed acting Chair of TTF following the departure of incumbent Andrew McEvoy who has taken a new international tourism role based in Saudi Arabia.

Baird returns to the role he previously held between 2008 and 2014 and brings a wealth of Board and tourism experience to the position at a time when the tourism industry is facing its worst ever crisis.

Advising that Baird will work closely with the industry and the team at TTF to ensure Australia’s visitor economy returns to its pre-Coronavirus success, TTF Chief Executive, Margy Osmond stated “the TTF Board and our team are delighted to have someone of Bruce’s calibre agree to act in the position at such an incredibly difficult time. He brings deep industry experience and extensive networks to the task of working with the organisation and its membership through the survival and recovery phases of the global pandemic.”

Commenting that he is pleased to be returning to TTF at a time when the visitor economy is facing its greatest challenge, Baird explained “in this environment I think I can make a contribution to what is a really great and always resilient industry that is fighting for survival.

“I look forward to working with Margy and her team to ensure the future is brighter for TTF members as we help them to navigate through the challenges ahead for the remainder of 2020 and beyond.”

A search process if underway for a permanent chair and is expected to be resolved in the second half of 2020.

Image: Bruce Baird, courtesy of Business Events Sydney.