TOURISM/CULTURE--Minister Addresses Village on the Canal Association

TOURISM/CULTURE--Minister Addresses Village on the Canal Association

Nova Scotia's Tourism Minister called on organizations throughout the Cape Breton region to continue building on it rich tourism, culture and heritage strengths. Rodney MacDonald shared the remarks at a meeting organized by the Village on the Canal Association in St. Peter's earlier this week.

In his speech, Mr. MacDonald congratulated the group, which has been actively involved in a variety of initiatives that are helping to attract tourists and Nova Scotians alike and keeping them in the area longer. He said it "is a spirit of cooperation and shared vision -- seen through people working with the association -- that is the hallmark of our successful industry."

Mr. MacDonald reinforced the importance of the tourism sector to the provincial economy, noting that the province welcomed more than two million out-of-province visitors in 2001. In Cape Breton, the industry generates more than $200 million in annual revenues and employs over 6,300 people. In Richmond County alone, room sales rose slightly in 2001 over the year before with more than 16,000 room nights sold. That's a one per cent increase over previous year. The local visitor information centre in St. Peter's was also very active, welcoming almost 8,000 visitors in 2001.

The minister also talked about the government's work with tourism, culture and heritage organizations throughout the province. He pointed to Nova Scotia's first-ever integrated tourism plan, which combines annual marketing and product development plans.

"The integrated plan represents the combined efforts of industry and government," he said. "It is an excellent example of how we are collaborating and challenging each other to achieve our mutual goals of making the world feel welcome."

Mr. MacDonald also talked about the government's efforts in promoting culture. He noted that the department introduced new programs with a greater focus on community development and cultural industries. Nova Scotia's cultural sector is also a driving force in economic growth, contributing some $800 million to the province's economy each year.

He discussed the department's support for community museums, including the Nicolas Denys Museum.

"The MacAskill House Museum is another notable historical attraction in the county," he said. "We know the community museum network is a source of economic activity, employment and pride."

In his concluding remarks he encouraged the continued development of partnerships to build on the area's reputation as a destination.

"Tourism is a growth industry throughout this province and it's a growth industry here in St. Peter's and Richmond County. So please do continue doing what you're doing -- working together to build on your strengths."