Government Invests in Growing Tourism Attraction

ECONOMIC/RURAL DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM--Government Invests in Growing Tourism Attraction

• --------------------------------------------------------------Burntcoat Head Park will get upgrades to attract more visitors and enhance tourists' experiences.

MLA Margaret Miller, on behalf of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Michel Samson, announced funding today, Nov. 21, for enhancements to the park on the Bay of Fundy that will make it more visitor-friendly and tell the story of the world's highest tides.

"Tourism is an important industry that employs Nova Scotians all across the province, and growing this sector benefits us all," said Ms. Miller. "To do this, we must focus on strengthening destination development and the visitor experience by investing in projects that advance the growth of high-quality, competitive destinations, products and experiences."

The Municipality of East Hants is receiving $60,000 for the second phase of the Burntcoat Head Park development project through the provincial Tourism Development Investment Fund. Over the next two years, trails will be built to guide visitors through the park, and interpretative panels will be installed to raise awareness of the historic and natural landscape of the shore.

"The 2014 summer season was exceptional for Burntcoat Head Park with a 58 per cent increase in visitation," said Municipality of East Hants Warden Jim Smith. "With these infrastructure improvements, our goal is to see Burntcoat Head Park become an anchor attraction, showcasing Nova Scotia's Bay of Fundy."

Upgrades will also make the park entrance more accessible for all vehicles, and provide new stairs to the ocean floor, washrooms, and a foot-wash station.

This year, the Nova Scotia Tourism Agency has funded 15 projects for more than $460,000 total, through its Tourism Development Investment Fund. For more information about this program and a list of projects, visit
http://novascotiatourismagency.ca .