News release

Province Strengthening Position as Tourist Destination

Tourism, Culture and Heritage (Dec. 2003 - Jan. 2011)

Tourism-related projects that market the province to the Atlantic Canadian and Northeastern U.S. markets will receive funding support from the province.

Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Rodney MacDonald announced today, Aug 12, that a total of $91,000 will be provided to seven tourism projects in the province under the Destination Opportunities Program.

The Destination Opportunities Program helps the tourism industry fund projects designed to increase the number of out-of-province tourists and the amount they spend while in the province. Funding applications are received in June each year.

"This funding represents the department's ongoing efforts to develop and strengthen the province's position as a tourism destination," said Mr. MacDonald. "It's a building process. The impact of these initiatives will be felt over the next year and in the coming years."

One of the groups receiving funding under the program is Taste of Nova Scotia. It will receive $12,500 for the development of a new website promoting Nova Scotia's culinary experiences, as well as support for a fall harvest promotion.

"We're very excited about the opportunity to enhance our marketing efforts and promote the Nova Scotia dining experience," said Alain Bosse, president, Taste of Nova Scotia. "We hope to draw more attention to Nova Scotia's quality food and beverage products, as well as to our quality service and hospitality."

The Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design will also receive funding under the program. The province will provide a total of $6,850 for the production and installation of strategically placed kiosks and a map promoting Cape Breton artisans.

"This funding will allow us to promote Cape Breton artisans to visitors arriving at various entry-points to the island and encourage them to discover our unique artistic talent," said Carol Beaton, executive director, Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design.

"These projects are important components of a long-term tourism strategy for Nova Scotia," said Charley Clerk, chair, Tourism Partnership Council. "They will help the province build on its strengths and realize its full potential as a tourism destination."

Information on the Destination Opportunities Program is available from the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage by calling 902-424-4170 or by seeing the program section of the website at www.nstpc.com .


Note: Following are the seven projects receiving funding from the Destination Opportunities Program:

  • Destination Southwest Nova Scotia will receive $24,650 to support an advertising campaign in Maine and the development of a three-year marketing plan.

  • Sherbrooke Now campaign will receive $5,000 to support promotional activities under a three-year marketing campaign.

  • Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design will receive $6,850 for the production and installation of strategically placed kiosks and a map promoting Cape Breton artisans.

  • Studio Rally will receive $5,000 for the promotion of an event in May and the production and distribution of a map.

  • Taste of Nova Scotia will receive $12,500 for the development of a new website promoting Nova Scotia's culinary experiences and to support a fall harvest promotion.

  • Greater Wolfville Destination Development Project will receive $12,000 to implement a marketing campaign in Atlantic Canada which will promote a series of events in the Wolfville area over several months.

  • Port Royal 400th Anniversary Society will receive $25,000 to support the implementation of marketing activities for the area's year-long celebrations.