News release

Province Invests Millions in Marketing Nova Scotia

Tourism and Culture (Aug. 1999 - Dec. 2003)

TOURISM/CULTURE--Province Invests Millions in Marketing Nova Scotia


Nova Scotia continues to invest millions of dollars in tourism marketing to attract visitors to the province.

"The department's tourism marketing budget has remained strong over the past few years," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture. "In fact, this year we are actually spending more."

Mr. MacDonald referred to figures published in the 2002-03 public estimates.

"Our marketing estimate in 2001-02 was approximately $13.3 million, while this year's estimate is approximately $13.5 million," he said.

On top of the department's own marketing dollars, Tourism Atlantic provided an extra $885,000 this year for additional marketing in Quebec and Ontario.

Tourism is a significant export industry for Nova Scotia, with more than half of its revenue generated from outside the province.

"We recognize the significant impact the tourism industry has on our province," said the minister. "That's why we continue to support its growth through marketing campaigns, product development programs and other key partnerships with industry."

Last year, the tourism industry in Nova Scotia generated revenues of $1.22 billion. These revenues supported 33,500 direct and indirect jobs, and resulted in increased income tax generation to support essential services.

So far this season the number of visitors from the United States and Quebec has increased compared to the same period last year. The number of rooms sold in accommodations throughout the province is also up four per cent.

"With an increase in rooms sold in accommodations, this could mean that more Nova Scotians are travelling within the province," said Mr. MacDonald. "It could also be an indication that our visitors are staying longer."

The department produces a monthly publication called Tourism Insights that reports visitation statistics. Copies of this publication can be found on the Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/dtc/pubs/insights. The department also posts its industry newsletter, Facts Flash, to the Web at www.nstpc.com. Facts Flash is a bi-weekly electronic industry newsletter that reports the most recent tourism statistics.