News Release Archive
ECONOMIC RENEWAL--TOURISM SEASON REVIEW
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From Cheticamp to Brier Island, Nova Scotia's tourism industry
experienced a "remarkable season" in l994 -- a season where
Tourism Nova Scotia recorded a seven per cent increase in room
sales during the peak period from July through September, and a
26 per cent increase in requests to the Nova Scotia information
and reservations service.
"Overall, l994 was one of the best years our hotel has ever had,"
said Ken Power, general manager of the Halifax Sheraton said.
This sentiment echoes time and time again throughout Nova Scotia.
Michele Inglis of Amherst is Director of Brian Moore Tours, which
experienced a dramatic growth in eco-tours, appealing to soft
adventure enthusiasts. " We had an amazing season," Ms. Inglis
said, "our gross sales increased incredibly."
"Our members all saw an increase in occupancy -- without
exception," reports Ted Wambolt, Greenfield, president of the
Campground Owners Association following the recent meeting of the
organization.
Tourism marketing consultant Avril Betts was especially
enthusiastic about the opportunities that presented themselves
for smaller properties to be involved with cooperative
marketing efforts of the province. These opportunities worked for
her properties, she said.
"The Glenora Inn and Distillery in Cape Breton and the South
Shore Country Inn, Broad Cove are both secluded properties, and
yet we exceeded expectations this year," Ms. Betts said.
The President of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia
(TIANS), Don Wilson saw several reasons for the banner year. " We
had a decided advantage with the exchange rate and the economy in
recovery," Mr. Wilson said. "We are also seeing more of our
members specializing in eco-tourism and focusing on older
consumers who have time and money to travel.
"There are always spin-off benefits when tourism is working,"
Wilson added. "Gift shops, grocery stores, golf courses,
restaurants, tour planners -- all benefit from tourism success."
Doug Fawthrop of White Point Beach Lodge Resort says that the
increased efforts in "packaging" vacations was valuable this
season. "It (packaging) encourages people to make a call, even if
the package offered isn't exactly what they wanted. Once the
customer is on the line we can outline all of their choices; then
they choose to come." Mr. Fawthrop reports that some first time
White Point visitors are already re-booked for next year.
Scott MacAulay of Baddeck's Inverary Inn is also happy about the
1994 tourism season. "The weather was fabulous and with the
economy improving people are feeling safer about planning
vacations -- Canadians are making Nova Scotia a destination of
choice."
There are more than just Canadians and Americans visiting our
seabound coast. Eric Mullen of Canadvac in Caledonia,
Queens County markets popular Fly-Drive Packages to Nova Scotia's
European visitors.
"It (Nova Scotia's European marketing effort) has allowed us to
concentrate on selling our packages because ... Nova Scotia has
become a known destination," Mr. Mullen said.
Coastal Adventures in Tangier, Halifax County, has been inviting
kayakers to the tour the Atlantic coast for years. Scott
Cunningham reports a 20 per cent increase in business this
season. "We're offering our customers, largely from the United
States and Ontario, an opportunity to sea kayak, explore the
rugged beauty of our province and spread the word about Nova
Scotia," he said.
Economic Renewal Minister Ross Bragg said that the province is
proud to work with such an energetic industry as the tourism
sector.
"Operators throughout Nova Scotia understand the benefit of long-
range planning, packaging, cooperative marketing and
collaboration," the Minister said. " The tourism industry earned
itself a banner year in l994 and the province is pleased to help
provide a platform for this success."
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Contact: Marsha Andrews (902) 424-4207
Joe Cottreau (902) 424-3970
lm January 12, 1995
