More than just walking in a Nova Scotia winter wonderland
News release
Helping South Shore and New Ross non-profits capitalize on tourism opportunities
December 7, 2018 – New Ross, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Last year was the best year ever for tourism in Canada, as we welcomed a record 20.8 million international visitors to our shores. The tourism industry is an important economic driver in our communities, with one in 10 jobs in Canada associated with the visitor economy. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting Nova Scotia tourism organizations to help them attract even more people to discover everything the province has to offer in every season.Bernadette Jordan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margarets, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced today, during the 25th New Ross Christmas Festival tree lighting, federal government support for two tourism projects.
The projects, funded through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund, will draw local and regional travellers, grow businesses and foster new ones, generating wealth for the middle class.
Specifically, a $64,075 contribution to the South Shore Tourism Co-operative Limited will enable the non-profit organization to develop a three-year winter tourism plan to grow off-season regional tourism experiences. Support of $19,875 for the New Ross Regional Development Society will help to deliver high quality and sustainable visitor experiences and improve the market readiness of tourism operators in the New Ross area. Both organizations will capitalize on existing tourism assets to increase demand for authentic, quality visitor experiences and services.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by supporting strategic tourism projects to attract more visitors and create new jobs across the region.
"The Government of Canada is marketing Atlantic Canada as a tourism destination of choice. By building on their strengths - the experiences and products they offer - tourism operators are providing value to guests who are looking for distinctive experiential opportunities while on vacation. The South Shore Tourism Cooperative and the New Ross Regional Development Society are making a difference, providing locals and visitors alike with even more reasons to explore the region."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
"The 25th New Ross Christmas Festival is one of about 125 events from Peggy's Cove to Barrington included in this year's South Shore Christmas Crawl. The Crawl is more than just a fun, holiday-themed activity. It is part of ongoing efforts to bring visitors to the area outside of the traditional tourism season. Off-season tourism is important for the sustainability of the industry. It can lead to increased demand for year-round employment and help generate activity in the local economy."
- Bernadette Jordan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament for South Shore - St. Margarets
"The South Shore welcomes guests year round, but many have not yet discovered the many experiences available during our favourite season: lobster season. As partners, we work together to build on the opportunities that will generate positive impacts on our businesses and communities. Undertaking this Winter Tourism Plan will help us attract more guests to the region at times of the year when it has the greatest potential, November to May. It's an exciting time for the South Shore and Nova Scotia."
- Donna Hatt, Chair, South Shore Tourism Co-operative, and Marketing/Product Development Manager, White Point Beach Resort
"The funding for this project, which aligns with our strategic plan goals, will help move the future sustainability of our community forward by growing the strengths of our community and assisting in marketing of new and expanding businesses."
- Debbie Reeves, New Ross Regional Development Society
Quick facts
The South Shore Tourism Co-operative has approximately 200 members from Peggy's Cove to Barrington.
The Co-operative organizes both the South Shore Christmas Crawl, running November 16, 2018 to January 6, 2019 and the South Shore Lobster Crawl, taking place February 1 to 18, 2019. The events aim to attract visitors to the region during the winter tourism season.
The not-for-profit New Ross Regional Development Society, established in 1994, provides a forum for new community ideas and their development such as the annual Christmas festival, craft fairs and community beautification initiatives.
Tourism in Atlantic Canada supports 9,600 businesses, employs 57,000 Atlantic Canadians and contributes nearly $5 billion annually to the value of goods and services produced.
