Province Seeks Industry Input on Tourism Strategy

NOTE: A list of regional focus groups follows this release.

Government and industry are working together to create a long-term tourism strategy that will deliver economic growth and benefits for the industry and the province.

To finalize the strategy, the province is seeking more feedback from industry members and operators, and the public.

"Through our partnership with industry in the Nova Scotia Tourism Agency we are establishing a new direction for tourism," said Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Percy Paris. "We have listened to our operators and industry members, and are in the final stages of developing a long-term strategy for tourism to allow Nova Scotia to reach its full potential in this highly competitive global market."

A strategic framework will be shared in regional sessions throughout the province this summer to encourage industry members to share their insights on the new approach. Discussion will focus on roles and responsibilities for government and industry to move forward.

Industry members are invited to provide feedback through the regional focus groups, an online survey, and interviews. Everyone is welcome. To register for a focus group visit http://gov.ns.ca/econ/tourism. French language services will be available in the Sydney and Yarmouth sessions.

The final long-term strategy for tourism is expected to be presented at the annual Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia conference in November.

The interim board of the Nova Scotia Tourism Agency is developing the long-term strategy as part of its mandate to formally establish the agency. It is also in the process of recruiting a chief executive officer, appointing an inaugural board and creating an operating charter.

Following is a list of regional focus groups:

• Antigonish, Tuesday, Aug. 7, 1-4 p.m., The Claymore Inn and Suites, 137 Church St.
• Springhill, Wednesday, Aug. 8, 1-4 p.m., Dr. Carson and Marion Murray Community Centre, 6 Main St.
• Lake Charlotte, Halifax Regional Municipality, Thursday, Aug. 9, 9 a.m.- noon, Memory Lane Heritage Village, 5435 Clam Harbour Rd.
• Liverpool, Tuesday, Aug. 14, 1-4 p.m., Best Western Plus Liverpool Hotel and Conference Centre, 63 Queen's Place
• Yarmouth, Wednesday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m.- noon, Rodd Grand Yarmouth, 417 Main St.
• Berwick, Thursday, Aug. 16, 1-4 p.m., Berwick and District Lions Club Hall, Kings Mutual Century Center, 250 Veterans Dr.
• Sydney, Monday, Aug. 20, 1-4 p.m., Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design (Loft), 322 Charlotte St.
• Inverness, Tuesday, Aug. 21, 9 a.m. - noon, The Inverness County Centre for the Arts, 16080 Highway 19, Inverness
• Halifax, Wednesday, Aug. 22, 9 a.m. - noon, The Halifax Club, 1682 Hollis St.