Tourism Minister Speaks at YCTA's Winter Thaw

Nova Scotia's Tourism and Culture minister was guest speaker at the second annual winter thaw hosted by the Yarmouth County Tourist Association in Yarmouth last night.

In his speech, Rodney MacDonald said the association's efforts to attract tourists "speaks to the kind of commitment we need to ensure places like Yarmouth 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 billion-dollar- plus tourism sector to the provincial economy, noting that the province welcomed more than two million out-of-province visitors in 2001. In Yarmouth County alone, tourism generates more than $40 million in revenue every year and employs over 1,100 people. For 2001, there were 87,900 room-nights sold in the area. The local visitor information centre counselled almost 20,900 visitors, while the province's visitor information centre counselled 35,200.

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.

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

During his remarks, Mr. MacDonald also shared details about a major CAT promotion in Boston Harbor May 16-20. It will involve Tourism and Culture, Bay Ferries and over 100 private-sector tourism businesses. In 1999, over 18,000 visitors descended on Boston during the promotion, and studies showed that 25 per cent of those people chose to visit Nova Scotia as a result of their visit to Boston.

Mr. MacDonald also talked about the government's efforts in promoting culture. He commented on opportunities surrounding the upcoming Acadian celebrations from 2003-05.

He noted that the department has 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. Nova Scotia's 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 community museums throughout the province, including the Yarmouth County Museum, the Argyle Township Court House and Archives and the Musée Acadien de Pubnico-ouest.

Mr. MacDonald concluded by encouraging the continued development of partnerships to build on the area's tourism, culture and heritage strengths.