News Release Archive
ECONOMIC RENEWAL--NS GEARS UP FOR PRODUCT LAUNCH IN NEW BRUNSWICK
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Travel agents in New Brunswick will learn more about the many
unique vacation opportunities of their closest Atlantic Canadian
neighbour next week as tourism representatives from Nova Scotia
host a multi-media product launch entitled "Nova Scotia's Great
Seacoast Getaways," April 23 - 25.
Dan Brennan, executive director of the Nova Scotia Marketing
Agency, says the three-city tour of Moncton, Saint John and
Fredericton is aimed at increasing awareness of the Nova Scotia
product among travel agents.
"Just because we're neighbours doesn't mean we should assume
every travel agent knows everything about us," he says.
"Targeting and educating travel agents in strategic markets
expands our sales force and adds a new dynamic to our current
marketing initiatives."
According to ACTA Atlantic (Alliance of Canadian Travel Agencies)
president Alan Pink, Nova Scotia's marketing efforts in New
Brunswick are sure to benefit all partners. "Two key facts behind
this program are that travel agents get a chance to increase
revenue with commissionable packages and Nova Scotia has
knowledgeable agents promoting the destination. It's a win-win
situation."
The Nova Scotia - Great Seacoast Getaways campaign is designed to
capture more of the Atlantic Canadian market and is part of an
integrated regional marketing strategy supported by point of
purchase displays, contests, collateral materials, publicity
campaign, merchandising and advertising.
"Travel trends clearly tell us the role of the travel agent in
vacation planning is becoming increasingly more important," said
Mr. Brennan. "The product launch, combined with our advertising
program, aims to step up Nova Scotia's presence in New
Brunswick."
He said the marketing agency already conducted a weekend
familiarization tour of Nova Scotia. Fifteen New Brunswick travel
agents travelled throughout Nova Scotia to get first hand
experience and knowledge of the province.
Patricia Kelly, manager of Maritime Marlin Travel, Fredericton
Mall, said she is more confident that Nova Scotia packages will
be of interest to her clients since participating in the
familiarization tour.
"I had limited knowledge of Nova Scotia prior to the tour. Having
spent a weekend visiting resorts, country inns, convention
facilities and attractions, I now feel confident in selling Nova
Scotia as a getaway vacation. Nothing helps me more than having
first-hand knowledge of a destination to relate back to my
clients," she said.
Nova Scotia's regional marketing theme, Year of the Wooden Boat,
will take centre stage at the presentations.
"Year of the Wooden Boat represents much of what is truly and
Nova Scotian," said Mr. Brennan. "We are celebrating our
centuries-old romance with the sea. It's a theme that offers
something for everyone, from sailing to scuba diving to festivals
and events to visiting museums and art galleries."
He said ongoing research will be key to the success and
evaluation of the project, and added initial market testing was
"very positive."
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Contact: Robyn McIsaac 902-424-0939
E-mail address: econ.rmcisaac@gov.ns.ca
trp Apr. 19, 1996 - 11:23 a.m.
