Nova Scotia Tourism Promotes Best of Food and Wine

ECONOMIC/RURAL DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM--Nova Scotia Tourism Promotes Best of Food and Wine

• ---------------------------------------------------------------Nova Scotia has launched a major culinary tourism marketing campaign in Ontario to encourage thousands of potential visitors to come and enjoy the best of Nova Scotia's food, wine and culture.

As part of its ongoing Ontario marketing program, the province has joined forces with Saltscapes, Taste of Nova Scotia and Sobeys to promote Nova Scotia as a unique culinary destination.

"We are working with our industry partners to let Ontarians know that Nova Scotia is the place to be this summer to enjoy award-winning wines, fresh seafood and so much more," said acting Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism John MacDonell. "We are promoting our amazing signature experiences and world-renowned culture and heritage in key markets to build our tourism industry and create good jobs that help grow our economy."

Events kicked off June 14 with a Lobster 101 Academy at Cerillo's Cooking Academy, an offsite training program for 100 Sobeys Ontario seafood managers. The workshop featured lessons on seafood preparation and promoted Nova Scotia lobster.

On Thursday, June 23, Sobeys launched a week-long, in-store taste-testing event in 87 Urban Fresh stores in the greater Toronto area. Shoppers are being tempted by tastings of fresh Nova Scotia lobster and blueberries.

Sobeys is also promoting a consumer contest for a vacation for four to Nova Scotia, and a lobster dinner for eight prepared in the winner's home by Saltscapes Food Editor, Alain Bosse.

Saltscapes is distributing 80,000 free copies of their new Food and Travel Guide, and recipe cards through all Ontario Sobeys stores. The guide features Adventures in Taste, an insert promoting 13 unique Nova Scotia culinary experience packages.

The promotions lead up to a Saltscapes Expo at Ontario Place on the Toronto Waterfront from July 1 to 3; more than 30,000 consumers are expected to visit.

The highlight of the show is the Cutting Edge Culinary Competition, with Nova Scotia chefs competing head-to-head with Ontario chefs. The events will showcase the talents of well-known chefs, such Mr. Bosse and Roberto Fracchioni of Ontario. Cape Breton's Right Some Good Foodie Adventure, featuring 10 world-class chefs, will also be promoted at the show. Tickets are on sale for the events taking place Aug. 25 to Sept. 4.

Staff will be on hand during the expo in Ontario Place to help potential visitors plan trips to Nova Scotia this summer.

The Nova Scotia entertainment lineup includes musicians such as Jimmie Inch, Glenn MacIsaac and members of the 78th Highlanders.