Minister Addresses Baddeck Area Business and Tourism Association

TOURISM/CULTURE--Minister Addresses Baddeck Area Business and Tourism Association

Nova Scotia's Tourism and Culture Minister is encouraging organizations throughout the Cape Breton region to continue building on the area's rich tourism, culture and heritage strengths. Rodney MacDonald shared the remarks with about 80 people at a meeting organized by the Baddeck Area Business and Tourism Association in Baddeck on Monday, Feb. 18.

In his speech, Mr. MacDonald said the association's efforts to attract tourists "speaks to the kind of commitment we need to ensure places like Baddeck and its surrounding areas can continue to grow and enhance tourism for the benefit of the whole community."

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 revenues each year and employs over 6,300 people. In Victoria County alone, there were 64,500 room-nights sold in 2001 and the local visitor information centre in Baddeck counselled almost 47,500 visitors.

The minister 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.

"This plan is one example of the benefits of working together," he said.

Mr. MacDonald also talked about the government's efforts in promoting culture in Nova Scotia. He noted that the department introduced new programs with a greater focus on community development and cultural industries. Information sessions on the new approach to programming are being held around the province, with a session in Baddeck on Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site Auditorium at 7 p.m. The cultural sector is a driving force in economic growth, contributing some $800 million to the province's economy each year.

On the heritage side, he discussed the department's support for museums throughout the province, including the Highland Village Museum in Iona.

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

Mr. MacDonald will be meeting with numerous tourism, culture and heritage groups across the Cape Breton Regional Municipality today. He will also be meeting with the Yarmouth County Tourist Association on Thursday.