N.S. Attractions to Compete on National Stage

Two of Nova Scotia's best tourism attractions have been selected as provincial nominees for a national contest designed to promote travel within the country.

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and Pier 21 will compete with 39 other attractions from across Canada for seven Attractions Canada Awards. The award program is the only country- wide competition aimed at promoting the quality, success, innovation and diversity of Canada's attractions. National winners will be announced in late April.

"This event will shine a national spotlight on two of Nova Scotia's great attractions," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture. "The increased visibility will ensure more people are made aware of our rich natural, historical and cultural heritage."

Halifax Citadel will compete for an award in the national or international category.

"The staff at the Halifax Citadel take great pride in preserving and presenting this important site to both local residents and visitors from all over the world," said Mart E. Johanson, a field superintendent with Parks Canada.

Pier 21 will compete in the distinction category.

"Since opening last July, we continue to be thrilled by the exceptional response to Pier 21," said Mary Tulle, Pier 21 general manager. "Being recognized by Attractions Canada will allow us to continue to reach new audiences."

Nova Scotia's nominees were selected by a joint industry- government committee. The committee then forwarded the names of the two finalists to a national jury comprised of tourism and media representatives.

"These awards recognize attractions that delight and move both our visitors and citizens, and demonstrate the extent to which our tourism industry, our heritage and pride in our province are interwoven," said Eric Mullen, president of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia.

The seven national winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in Vancouver on Friday, April 28. Those winners will receive national exposure from Attractions Canada's extensive marketing campaign.