The Cat Transforms Into Travel Fair

In an effort to top 1998's impressive tourism numbers, more than 150 tourism industry and trade representatives from Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island will embark for Boston next month aboard The Cat, Bay Ferries' high-speed catamaran ferry.

The Cat will be docked next to the Charlestown navy yard at Boston National Historical Park, where the car deck will be transformed into a floating travel fair and an entertainment and musical extravaganza May 14-16.

"New England is a strategic market for our province that we must work to expand," said Doug Fawthrop, chair of the Nova Scotia Tourism Partnership Council. "It's close, easily accessible and has a substantial population base."

New Englanders represent Nova Scotia's largest American market, making up about nine per cent of the province's visitors.

Organizers expect more than 15,000 people to visit the travel fair. They will meet Nova Scotian musicians, costumed animators, and other cultural representatives. Visitors will also be able to tour The Cat and speak to industry representatives about general touring, the province's culture and history, and nature-based tourism --the lead tourism product for the New England market.

The promotion will build on the momentum of Nova Scotia's impressive tourism accomplishments. Key New England tourism and travel-trade industry representatives will also take part in the event.

"Our research tells us that New Englanders visit Nova Scotia because they are attracted to the rich culture, natural beauty and friendly people," said Mr. Fawthrop. "This trade event is designed to showcase key Nova Scotian attractions and to promote The Cat as a fast and convenient method of getting to Nova Scotia."

The Cat cut travel time between Boston and Nova Scotia by a day when it began operating last year. During Nova Scotia's busy tourist season, the ferry makes regular runs between Bar Harbor, Me., and Yarmouth.

Partners in the trade mission are Nova Scotia and Bay Ferries, the Canadian Tourism Commission, and the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership. Also participating are representatives from the Nova Scotia Celebrate Our Music Program, Prince Edward Island and Enterprise Cape Breton Corp.

The Nova Scotia tourism industry, which topped $1.1 billion in revenues last year, employs more than 33,000 Nova Scotians with a payroll of about $430 million. Tourism is a significant Nova Scotian export, with more than half its billion-dollar revenues from outside the province.