Minister Reinforces Importance of Key Sectors

Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald is touring Pictou County today, Aug. 28, to focus on partnerships that are helping to drive Nova Scotia's tourism, culture and heritage sectors. As minister responsible for the Sport and Recreation Commission he is also highlighting the importance of physical activity and recreation.

The tour includes visits to the Nova Scotia Visitor Information Centre at the Pictou Rotary at noon, followed by visits to the Pictou County Tourist Association, 41 Water St., at 12:45 p.m., and the Carmichael-Stewart House Museum, 86 Temperance St., at 1:30 p.m.

The minister notes that provincial investments are helping to stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life in the county. As one example, he points to annual investments in the Pictou County Tourist Association (PCTA), which works with industry stakeholders on tourism development, visitor information and marketing initiatives for the Pictou area.

The association's executive director Kim Dickson said her organization greatly values the partnership it has with the province.

"Collaboration and co-operation among industry leaders is critical to the success of the tourism industry at both a local and provincial level," said Ms. Dickson. "Working together, whether it be through marketing initiatives, visitor information services or product development, allows us to accomplish our goals more effectively and empowers us to grow this dynamic industry for the benefit of Nova Scotia."

The department works in partnership with the association to operate the Nova Scotia Visitor Information Centre at the Pictou Rotary.

"This year, we're keeping the centre open until mid-December as part of our commitment to build a year round tourism industry in Nova Scotia," Mr. MacDonald added. To the end of July, there were 19,100 visitors counselled at the centre, a 20 per cent jump over last year.

Another partnership with the tourism association, the Northumberland Strait Marketing Group, Northumberland Ferries and Tourism P.E.I. is providing visitor information services onboard car ferries between Caribou and Wood Islands, P.E.I.

The Department of Tourism and Culture also invests in various museums in the Pictou area, including the Museum of Industry, the Hector Centre and the Carmichael-Stewart House.

"Recent support from the department has resulted in a project that will help us increase community awareness of our work and increase attendance at the Carmichael-Stewart House Museum. We hope it will lead toward self-sufficiency," said Frank Calder of the Pictou County Historical Society.

The community also benefits from numerous tourism marketing and development initiatives, including funding support for festivals and events.

As well the Department of Tourism and Culture offers a number of programs to help cultural organizations, including those focusing on youth, export development, facilities and operations. For example, the deCoste Entertainment Centre in Pictou receives approximately $27,000 in annual support.

Recent projects funded through the Sport and Recreation Commission include support for New Glasgow to help with the installation of a fully accessible playground in the town's south end. Funding was also provided to the town of Stellarton for upgrades to the ball field and a new parking area.

"All of these projects speak to the partnerships that are alive and well in our communities. They also speak to opportunities that will give us, and all Nova Scotians, a chance to prosper in our own hometowns. And building prosperity here in Nova Scotia is a large part of this government's vision," said Mr. MacDonald.

Nova Scotia's billion-dollar-plus tourism industry translates into jobs for some 35,000 Nova Scotians. Tourism is also a significant export industry, with more than half of the money generated coming from outside the province. Nova Scotia's culture sector is also growing in leaps and bounds. The business of culture has emerged as one of the fastest growing sectors in this province with an estimated value of $808 million. Moreover, it is estimated that culture creates more than 29,000 direct and indirect jobs.