2002 Doers and Dreamers Guide Now Available

Nova Scotia's signature tourism publication is on the move. The 2002 edition of the Doers and Dreamers Guide is off the presses and on its way to homes, offices and vacation enthusiasts around the world.

The 416-page guide offers information on more than 1,000 accommodations, hundreds of festivals and events, and the province's museums and attractions, restaurants and outdoor and nature tourism operations.

"Our travel guide is an indispensable resource on tourism services and experiences available throughout the province," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture. "It is one of the most important ways we communicate with our visitors about coming here. It serves as a powerful tool in planning a vacation in this province."

A large, bright shot of Bluenose II spans more than half the front cover. The legendary schooner is a powerful image and icon of Nova Scotia.

"Featuring Bluenose II on the cover of this year's guide captures the essence of the Nova Scotia experience," said Mr. MacDonald. "Bluenose II is a tourism icon and this province's ambassador. She speaks to Nova Scotia's image as a premiere seacoast destination."

While the schooner is the prominent image, four additional images on the cover remind visitors of the province's heritage, outdoor adventure, urban adventure and coastal hiking opportunities. All images are typical of the sights visitors can see around every turn while touring coastal Nova Scotia.

"This guide is one of a series of publications designed to promote Nova Scotia as a tourism destination," said Paul Stackhouse, chair of the Tourism Partnership Council. "Visitors to Nova Scotia tell us that it is among the best destination guides they have used. It encourages people to stay in the province longer and also serves the needs of our operators."

The guide contains nearly 3,500 listings this year, up eight per cent from last year. More than 800 individual advertisers are represented.

The 2002 version is better organized and easier to use than ever. Check In and Web site references are given on all listings pages and are highlighted in several other places throughout the book. Canada Select and Camping Select star ratings are highlighted in gold.

The province's heritage sector has a greater profile this year. The history and heritage section in the front has been expanded and each travelway section offers natural history anecdotes, called Stories Written in Stone.

"This year's edition looks great," said Mr. MacDonald. "I thank our staff and tourism associations around the province for their valuable suggestions and the work they did to update the guide."

A Nova Scotia-based printing plant is printing the guide, and 750,000 English copies will be distributed to potential visitors in response to marketing activities planned for 2002.

Copies are available throughout North America by calling the Nova Scotia Information and Reservation Service at 1-800-565-0000 or through the province's official tourism Web site at NovaScotia.com .

In March, the 100,000 copies of the French version, Nouvelle Écosse: Du rêve à l'aventure Guide touristique 2002, will be available. At the same time, other publications to help with vacation planning in Nova Scotia -- maps, the Festivals and Events Guide, Golf Guide and Guide for Nature and Outdoor Lovers -- will also be available.

Nova Scotia's billion-dollar-plus tourism industry translates into jobs for close to 34,000 Nova Scotians. Tourism is also a significant export industry, with more than half of the money generated coming from outside the province.