Air Travel Policy Issues a Priority for Tourism Minister

TOURISM/CULTURE--Air Policy Issues a Priority for Tourism Minister

Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald is calling for a national air travel policy that attracts more international services.

"Nova Scotia's tourism industry needs accessible, affordable, quality air service in order to remain healthy," said Mr. MacDonald. "Competition is the best means to achieve those goals, but we need a federal air policy that removes barriers to interested international airlines and provides easy access for travellers."

Provincial and territorial tourism ministers commissioned a report that addresses several key air-policy issues impacting tourism. The report was discussed by the ministers at a meeting held Dec. 6-7, in Victoria, B.C. Nova Scotia fully endorses the report and is encouraging the federal government to give strong consideration to its recommendations.

"It was encouraging to have the federal minister responsible for tourism at the table with us for that discussion," said Mr. MacDonald. "We need a champion for tourism to be at the federal cabinet table to address strategic tourism-policy and development issues."

One of the key issues discussed at the meeting was the Air Travellers' Security Charge. The provincial and territorial ministers agreed to send their position and recommendations on this issue to the federal government by Dec. 18. The ministers further agreed with the need to meet with senior federal ministers to discuss air-policy and border issues early in the new year.

Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, welcomed the support of Mr. MacDonald and his tourism colleagues in getting the provincial message heard in Ottawa.

"Our airports need liberalized air-access policies and increasing federal government sensitivity if we are to take advantage of trade and tourism opportunities," said Mr. Russell. "I'm pleased that more voices are taking this message to Ottawa."

With the exception of international markets, air capacity into Nova Scotia has rebounded to about 10 per cent higher than its 2001 level. However, international air capacity is down by 50 per cent over last year.

The government of Nova Scotia is moving on several fronts to mitigate against the continued loss in international capacity. Most recently, Icelandair started a new air-cargo service to Halifax International Airport on a trial basis. As well, Thomas Cook and Condor have announced a new weekly charter service linking Halifax with Frankfurt beginning in the summer of 2003.