Province Invests in Tourism

Nova Scotians and visitors will benefit from investments in tourism projects announced today, Sept. 10, by Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Percy Paris.

A total of $284,703 will be invested in 15 destination development projects across the province, which range from hiking trails to historical re-enactments.

"Nova Scotia's appeal as a world-class tourism destination is built on the quality and diversity the province has to offer visitors," said Mr. Paris. "These investments will support communities and organizations as they provide outstanding tourism experiences for their visitors."

The Nature Conservancy of Canada, a land conservation organization, will receive $35,000 for trail development in the Brier Island Nature Preserve. A popular destination for locals and visitors, the preserve is home to plant and wildlife, some of which are rare or endangered. Coastal hiking on the Bay of Fundy is a competitive strength for Nova Scotia in the visitor marketplace.

"The Brier Island Nature Preserve is popular with hiking and nature enthusiasts," said Samantha Hines-Clark from the conservancy. "This investment will help us put a trail system in place so that people may enjoy the preserve in a way that will protect the ecology of the area for current and future visitors."

A total of $110,500 invested in six industry development projects was also announced by Mr. Paris.

The Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency and the Pictou Regional Development Commission will receive $14,500 each for a community tourism assessment. They will look at the participating communities through the eyes of a first-time visitor, assessing everything from directional signs to the quality of things to see and do in the area.

"We know that the Northumberland Shore offers visitors an exceptional travel experience," said Gerald Gabriel, executive director of the Pictou Regional Development Commission. "This assessment will give us the consumer perspective on what we are doing well and present us with new ideas for building on our tourism success."

The Tourism Development Investment program provides funding to eligible non-profit organizations for projects that will enhance quality and provide innovative products or experiences for the visiting public. With funding from this program, projects will access more than $2.3 million from other sources, which will have a positive economic impact for the communities they are based and for the entire province through the visitors they will attract.

More information on this and other programs may be found on the Tourism, Culture and Heritage website at www.gov.ns.ca/tch/tourism_funding.asp .

For a complete list of the projects receiving funding under this program visit www.gov.ns.ca/tch/tdi_funding_09_10.asp .