News Release Archive

ECONOMIC RENEWAL--ICEBREAKER  96 - BREAKING NEW GROUND IN EUROPE
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Nova Scotia exporters and tourism operators have signed on for
one of the most promising marketing opportunities of 1996.

Ninety business people from across the province will participate
in Icebreaker  96, the official program to launch Icelandair's
inaugural flights to Nova Scotia.

Icebreaker  96 is a reverse marketplace comprised of an outbound
inaugural program in Reykjavik from May 21 - 24. Business and
tourism partners will participate in a trade and travel show,
business seminars and site visits aimed at developing trade
partnerships and promoting Nova Scotia as a destination.

"Icelandair will make Nova Scotia its gateway to Canada for
Iceland and many European destinations," said Economic Renewal
Minister Robbie Harrison. "Trading world-wide is essential for
our economic future. This initiative will help us build new
trading partners throughout Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark."

The tourism program in Iceland will be highlighted by major
travel trade educational functions and a consumer show expected
to attract 12,000 people.

"Our efforts to promote Nova Scotia in Iceland have been very
successful," said Susan Bartlett, chair of the marketing
committee for the Tourism Industry of Nova Scotia Association
(TIANS). "Icelandair offers a great opportunity to build
awareness of Nova Scotia as a distinctive travel destination.
There's also potential to market Nova Scotia as a short getaway
vacation for shopping and city life in the off-season."

Currently 31 Nova Scotia companies actively export to Iceland.
Hans Indridason, Icelandair's general manager for Canada, says
the opportunity for businesses is favourable. "We are looking to
build stronger working partnerships with Nova Scotian companies.
Diversification of the Icelandic economy into manufacturing,
processing, service and marine industries makes Nova Scotia an
attractive trading partner for Iceland."

Organizers include TIANS, the Economic Renewal Agency and
Icelandair. Icelandair's direct service to Nova Scotia begins May
14 with flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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Contact: Robyn McIsaac  902-424-0939
         E-mail Address: econ.mcisaac@gov.ns.ca

trp                     Apr. 26, 1996 - 12:40 p.m.