Province Issues Request For Proposals for Digby, Liscombe Resorts

The province is seeking a long-term solution for the Signature Resorts that will help create new jobs and grow Nova Scotia's economy.

The province issued a request for proposals today, June 1, for those interested in acquiring Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa in Digby and Liscombe Lodge Resort and Conference Centre in Liscombe Mills, Guysborough Co.

"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. "We are issuing a request for proposals to consider a broad array of options for their successful future operation.

"We want to ensure they remain significant economic and employment generators in their rural communities."

The province owns both resorts.

Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa sits on federal land in Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Ingonish Beach, Victoria Co. It is operated and maintained by the province under a long-term lease agreement with the government of Canada. The province and Parks Canada are working together to issue a separate request for proposals at a later date.

The province recently invested $3.1 million in the three properties to make immediate improvements for the 2012 season. The investment helped fund upgrades such as new beds, televisions, fridges and carpets.

The New Castle Hotels and Resorts management contract was extended until January 2013 to secure jobs and ensure the resorts operate through the 2012 tourism season.

For more information on the request for proposals, visit www.gov.ns.ca/tenders .

To learn more about the Signature Resorts, go to www.signatureresorts.com .