Nova Scotia Scores Major Golf Event to Boost Tourism

A major golf event is coming to Nova Scotia, bringing thousands of people, international attention, and $3.5 million in economic activity to the province.

Ashburn Golf Course will host the only Canadian stop on the Web.com Tour this year and next, with a possible third stop in 2016. The Web.com Tour is owned and operated by the PGA Tour and features some of the top golfers in the world.

Dartmouth South MLA Allan Rowe, on behalf of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Michel Samson, congratulated Ashburn and others for attracting the event.

"Events attract many first-time visitors to Nova Scotia and, once here, those visitors travel more throughout the province," said Mr. Rowe. "We're grateful that the PGA Tour has chosen Nova Scotia for this event. Sport tourism is Canada's fastest growing tourism sector, bringing $3.6 billion to our national economy. We're excited to attract some of that business to Nova Scotia."

The province is investing $300,000 per year for two years, with more support by other levels of government. The Web.com Tour will be televised on the Golf Channel to an audience of 81 million households in 192 countries.

"There's nothing better for a city than to make it vibrant -- especially during the summer months," said Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel General Manager Jeff Ransome. "We're fortunate to have this event over a two- to three-year period which allows us to grow it to its full potential."

The Web.com Tour event is part of GOLFfest Nova Scotia from June 29-July 6. It will also feature the Nova Scotia Open, the Junior Canada Cup and the Canada Cup, which will pit the best Canadian PGA golfers, against other PGA international players.

Events such as these support the tourism industry, which provides 24,000 jobs across the province.

"It is wonderful to host an event of this magnitude. The Web.com Tour will attract people from all over the world and help affirm Halifax as a leading destination," said vice-president of sales and marketing for RCR Hospitality Group Elizabeth Newman. "There will be a very positive economic impact as visitors spend dollars on accommodations, shopping and restaurants."

Web.com has offices in Yarmouth and Halifax, employing more than 400 Nova Scotians.

The PGA Tour Canada Cape Breton Celtic Classic will also be held Sept. 1-7, at The Lakes Golf Club in Ben Eoin. Nova Scotia will be the only province in Canada hosting two PGA Tour events.