N.S. to Participate in Quebec’s Vacation Show

Thirty-nine representatives of Nova Scotia’s tourism industry will be in Quebec this weekend promoting the province as a choice vacation destination.

Their appearance at Quebec’s largest annual consumer vacation show will be the largest on-site promotion Nova Scotia’s tourism industry has ever conducted in Quebec.

The Salon Vacances/Summer Holiday Show is being held in Montreal Friday through Sunday, March 30 to April 1. The three-day event attracts over 50,000 consumers a year.

Nova Scotia’s 10-booth section will showcase the province’s world-class scenery. Parks Canada will send kilted guards from the Halifax Citadel and Acadian performers from the Grand Pre National Historic Site. There also will be music by the group Blou.

"Nova Scotia’s strong presence at Salon Vacances/Summer Holiday show gives us a chance to personally invite the Quebec market to visit Nova Scotia and experience our world-class scenery and tourism products," said Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald.

The Quebec market represents close to 100,000 visitors -- or 4.5 per cent of Nova Scotia’s non-resident visitors, with tremendous potential to grow. Recent research indicates Nova Scotia appeals to the Quebec market, particularly for its sightseeing, dining, historic sites and attractions, and friendly people.

The Nova Scotia Tourism Partnership Council has targeted five per cent growth in visits from Quebec this year. The council is a partnership of industry and government representatives which directs the planning and delivery of Nova Scotia’s tourism programs.

"We are delighted to welcome VIA Rail on board as a new partner in our 2001 Tourism Strategy,” said council president Paul Stackhouse. “The fact that so many tourism-industry representatives will be in Montreal with VIA Rail promoting Nova Scotia as a vacation choice for 2001 is significant, and demonstrates the long-term potential of the Quebec market to Nova Scotia’s tourism industry."

Other activities planned to market Nova Scotia in Quebec this year include advertisements through magazines, newspapers, direct mail and the Internet.