News release

Visitors Invited to Experience Nova Scotia in 2009

Tourism, Culture and Heritage (Dec. 2003 - Jan. 2011)

Travellers near and far are invited to discover their favourite Nova Scotian experience as the province launches its 2009 tourism marketing campaign.

The campaign focuses on key markets nationally, regionally and internationally.

"Our 2009 marketing plan was developed with input from industry and targets markets that offer the greatest potential to attract visitors to Nova Scotia," said Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Bill Dooks. "The plan includes increased activity in markets like Western Canada and the UK, and a stronger regional campaign to address the trend of people travelling closer to home."

The national portion of the campaign began this week with the launch of five 30-second TV ads that showcase the scenic beauty, culture and people of Nova Scotia. The ads are running nationally on speciality channels such as Discovery, HGTV, Bravo!, and Food Network. The national portion of the campaign will also include magazine ads, full-colour newspaper ads and online marketing.

"This campaign portrays authentic Nova Scotians and experiences," said John Somers, executive director of tourism, Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "Nova Scotia's scenic beauty, rich heritage and vibrant culture create memorable experiences for visitors and this campaign entices everyone to experience it for themselves."

The Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage has also developed a regional marketing campaign to entice Atlantic Canadians to experience a vacation close to home. The regional campaign includes 15-second TV ads, 10-second closed captioning ads, and newspaper and online advertising. The regional campaign will begin the week of April 27.

The province will expand its online marketing strategy by using social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. These sites allow for direct communication with visitors to promote the province and learn more about their travel habits. Additionally, visitors can share their Nova Scotian experiences with the rest of the world.

Along with traditional advertising, the province will host promotional events in key Canadian markets, and attend consumer shows and special events in Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary and the Saltscapes Expo in Halifax.

The 2009 tourism marketing plan includes enhancements to Provincial Visitor Information Centres. The centres will have new brand images, literature racks, and digital screens to promote local attractions and encourage longer visits. New features have been added to novascotia.com, including Google maps and live online chat with visitor services staff.

For more information on the province's tourism marketing campaign or to view some of the ads visit www.novascotia.com.