Tourism is Everybody's Business

As Tourism Week 2007 gets underway, Nova Scotians are encouraged to give visitors a warm welcome and make their stay here special. Tourism Week runs from June 4-10 with the theme tourism is everybody's business.

"Nova Scotians are known around the world for their warmth and hospitality," said Len Goucher, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "By going the extra mile and making our visitors' vacation here unique and memorable, every Nova Scotian can contribute to building our tourism brand and attracting more visitors to the province."

Tourism is a $1.3 billion industry employing about 33,000 Nova Scotians. It generates more than $200 million in tax revenue that is reinvested in the industry and helps finance social programs such as health care and education throughout the province.

"Tourism affects all of Nova Scotia’s industries and impacts greatly on the social, economic and environmental quality of life in Nova Scotia," said Susan Tilley-Russell, chair of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS). "This week is a reminder to take pride in our history, our culture and our people."

Tourism operators are busy this week not only welcoming travelers, but also inviting residents to visit their businesses, holding community events, and looking for opportunities to profile the attractions in their regions. A list of Tourism Week events around the province is available on the tourism industries' website at www.tians.org .

TIANS is the provincial advocate for the Nova Scotia tourism industry and strives to enhance the industry's competitiveness and prosperity. TIANS works closely with many partners, regional and sector associations and all levels of government.