Province to Make Short-term Investment in Signature Resorts

The province is making immediate improvements in the Signature Resorts by investing a total of $3.1 million in the three properties.

An open request for proposals for the resorts will be issued by April 1 to ensure their long-term success.

"The Signature Resorts are important to our communities, our tourism industry, and our provincial economy," said Percy Paris, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. "This investment will enhance visitor experiences for the 2012 season and make the resorts more attractive to potential buyers."

The investment will help fund upgrades such as new beds, televisions, fridges and carpets.

"We will issue a request for proposals for the resorts to seek a broad array of business arrangements for their successful future operation," said Mr. Paris. "We want to ensure they remain significant economic and employment generators in their rural communities."

The New Castle Hotels and Resorts management contract will be extended for another year to secure jobs in their regions and ensure the resorts operate through the 2012 tourism season.

"We are pleased the province is making this investment," Gerry Chase, president and chief operating officer New Castle Hotels and Resorts. "We look forward to operating the resorts through the 2012 season, and are confident that these enhancements will have a significant positive impact on visitor experiences at the properties."

The province owns the Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa and Liscombe Lodge Resort and Conference Centre. Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa sits on federal land in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It is operated and maintained by the province under a long-term agreement with the government of Canada. Discussions have begun with Parks Canada about the future of the resort.

Information about Nova Scotia's Signature Resorts can be found at www.signatureresorts.com .