News release

Province Looks to Secure Future of Signature Resorts

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

The province is seeking options for its Signature Resorts after the management contract with New Castle Hotels expires in January 2012.

"The Signature Resorts are significant economic and employment generators in their communities and are important to Nova Scotia's tourism industry," said Percy Paris, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "We are acting now to ensure the resorts remain sustainable and to keep our commitment to create good jobs and grow the economy in every region."

Tourism, Culture and Heritage has issued a request for expressions of interest to develop a range of options for the successful future operation of the properties.

The province owns the Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa and Liscombe Lodge Resort and Conference Centre.

Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa sits on federal land in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It is operated and maintained by the province under a long-term agreement with the government of Canada. Any new Keltic Lodge arrangement will require the consent and involvement of Parks Canada.

The resorts will continue to operate under the management of New Castle Hotels during the 2011 tourism season.

Information about Nova Scotia's Signature Resorts can be found at www.signatureresorts.com .