2003 Doers' and Dreamers' Guide Now Available

The latest edition of Nova Scotia's signature tourism publication is now being distributed to vacation enthusiasts around the world. The 2003 Doers' and Dreamers' Guide contains 420 pages packed with information and images of Canada's Seacoast.

The guide contains 3,500 listings that include accommodations and campgrounds, museums and attractions, restaurants, outdoor operations, festivals, events and tour operators. Consumer research indicates the format of the travel guide continues to be effective and general feedback suggests the content is considered among the best of its kind in Canada.

"Producing this important resource for visitors requires a huge effort and excellent co-operation from everyone involved," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture. "As a result, the travel guide plays a significant role in our billion-dollar- plus tourism industry."

The front cover of this year's edition features one of the province's tourism icons, the Cabot Trail. The photograph illustrates the sea meeting the rugged beauty of the highlands.

The front section of the guide features some of the province's top tourism draws such as culture and heritage, cuisine and urban experiences, key attractions, world class outdoor and nature experiences and golf. Within the guide are 10 feature articles under the theme The Tapestry of Acadie, in recognition of Acadie 2003-2005 celebrations.

"The Doers' and Dreamers' Guide is an important part of our marketing and promotion campaigns," said Paul Stackhouse, chair of the Tourism Partnership Council. "It is a terrific resource to both visitors and operators and one of the many ways we encourage people both to visit us and to stay in the province longer."

The 750,000 copies of the English edition of the travel guide were printed in Nova Scotia and are distributed to potential visitors in response to marketing activities planned for 2003. They are also available at all provincial visitor information centres.

In April, 100,000 copies of the French version, Nouvelle Ecosse:
Du reve a l'aventure Guide touristique 2003, will be available. At the same time, other publications to help with vacation planning in Nova Scotia -- maps, the Festivals and Events Guide, Golf Guide, and Guide for Nature and Outdoor Lovers -- will also be available.

Copies of the 2003 Doers' and Dreamers' Guide are available throughout North America by calling the Nova Scotia Information and Reservation Service at 1-800-565-0000 or through the province's official tourism Web site at www.NovaScotia.com .

Nova Scotia's billion-dollar tourism industry translates into jobs for close to 34,000 Nova Scotians. Tourism is also a significant export industry, with more than half of the money generated coming from outside the province.