Contest Under Way for Canada's Best Attractions

A nationwide competition is under way to recognize excellence in Canada's attractions industry, and Nova Scotia's attractions are encouraged to enter.

The second annual Attractions Canada Awards competition will select winners in six categories, specifically outdoor sites, indoor sites, cultural events, sports events, new attractions and international attractions.

"Nova Scotia has many outstanding attractions that draw visitors to our province and generate substantial economic revenue for our communities," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture. "This competition is a great opportunity to gain national attention and we encourage operators to participate."

Attractions Canada showcases Canada's numerous points of interest to encourage all Canadians to discover their country. Nova Scotia's Maritime Museum of the Atlantic won the national award in the indoor sites category at the 1999 competition.

Organizations wishing to participate can download an entry form at www.attractionscanada.com. Application forms are also available from the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia and regional tourism associations throughout the province. The deadline for entries is Jan. 14.

"We're helping to co-ordinate the process for submissions," said Judith Cabrita, managing director with the tourism industry association. "We recognize an outstanding Nova Scotia attraction or event annually. This is a further opportunity to receive national recognition of our exceptional attractions that encourage travellers to make Nova Scotia a destination of choice."

The association, along with representatives from regional tourism associations and Tourism and Culture, will select the six finalists to represent the province at the national level of the competition. When the national judging concludes, more than 70 attractions will receive plaques of honour as provincial/territorial winners, while the winners in each category will walk away with the national award.

Winners will be honoured at a national awards gala to be held on April 28 in Vancouver, B.C. Halifax has been selected to host the 2001 Attractions Canada awards gala.

kjd December 16, 1999