Recruiting for Visitor Information Centres

The Department of Tourism and Culture is now recruiting for seasonal jobs at visitor information centres throughout the province.

Travel counsellors, supervisors and maintenance workers are needed between May and October. The deadline for applications is Friday, Feb. 11.

"The people who work at our information centres play a key role in ensuring that visitors make the most of a Nova Scotia vacation," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture. "In addition to providing an important service to visitors, these centres are also a key resource for the industry."

Surveys have shown that when travelers visit a centre, they tend to stay in the province longer. That means more revenue for businesses across the province.

As part of this year's recruitment program, the department is scheduling information sessions throughout the province, including Yarmouth, Amherst, Halifax Regional Municipality, Pictou and Cape Breton.

Those sessions will feature a multi-media presentation on Nova Scotia's $1.27 billion tourism industry and the supportive role of the visitor information centre network around the province. The sessions will also include a question and answer period and tips on how to apply.

More than 947,000 visitors dropped into Nova Scotia's 13 centres in 1999, representing an 18 per cent increase over 1998. Nearly all those surveyed at the information centres last year found staff helpful and knowledgeable, while 11 per cent reported increasing the length of their stay in the province.

Suitable candidates for the positions must have leadership, communication, technical, supervisory and sales skills. Tourism-related experience is an asset, while first-aid and command of a second language are required for some positions.

Feedback from previous employees indicate a high level of satisfaction with the job. Many wrote to say they thoroughly enjoyed their time and gained a greater appreciation of the province.

Job descriptions and application forms are available at local Employment Centres, Nova Scotia Business Service Centres, Access Nova Scotia Centres, and university and community college employment centres. Tourism and Culture can also be contacted at 902-424-3282 or 1-800-313-4447, or by mail at P.O. Box 456, Halifax, NS B3J 2R5. Those interested can also e-mail Heather Sancton, Tourism and Culture, at [email protected], or find information on the department's website at: http://www.gov.ns.ca/humr/ .

Visitor information centres are located in Amherst, Digby, Halifax, including the airport, waterfront and downtown, Peggy's Cove, Pictou/Wood Islands, Port Hastings, Yarmouth, North Sydney, and Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine.

Nova Scotia's tourism industry experienced double digit growth in 1999, making it the strongest year ever. Revenues reached $1.27 billion, representing a 16 per cent gain on top of 1998's record breaking $1.1 billion. Overall visitation was also up about 15 per cent.

kjd January 25, 2000 9:53