St. Martins Tourism Plan to Boost Local Economy
News release
July 24, 2018 – St. Martins, NB – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
In 2017, Canadians welcomed a record of 20.8 million international visitors to our shores. The tourism industry is vibrant from coast to coast to coast, as one in 10 jobs in Canada is associated with the visitor economy. Investing in tourism projects in both big cities and small towns throughout Atlantic Canada is essential to growing this important economic sector for Canadians. By investing in our tourism sector, we attract new visitors, grow businesses and create new ones, generating economic growth for the middle class.
Thanks to investments totaling $50,000 by the federal and provincial governments, Destination St. Martins Inc. will develop a tourism plan to promote the community’s brand as the southern gateway to the Fundy Trail Parkway, as well as identify opportunities for local development and infrastructure enhancements.
Alaina Lockhart, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism and Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Bill Fraser, New Brunswick Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation, made the announcement today.
These investments will support the development of a unique brand to position St. Martins as a world-class, in-demand travel destination and the southern gateway to the Fundy Trail Parkway. It will also support the development of a comprehensive plan focused on optimizing streetscapes and community-owned assets such as the harbour, visitor information centre and lighthouse area.
The Government of Canada is providing a contribution of $25,000 through ACOA’s Business Development Program, while the Province of New Brunswick is investing $25,000 through the Regional Development Corporation.
These investments build 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 helping the region’s tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs across the region. This bold new approach is in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision, which seeks to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to fueling economic growth in rural communities throughout Atlantic Canada. Through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, we are working to expand the promotion of the region’s tourism offerings in key international markets. This investment will help prepare tourism operators to offer in-demand products and experiences and to thrive in the global marketplace.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“As the southern gateway to the Fundy Trail Parkway, St. Martins is well positioned to help share the charm of our region with tourists from across Canada and around the world. Rural tourism is crucial for continued economic development and with planned investments like these, we can harness the unique character of our communities to create jobs and sustain the many wonderful small businesses that define our region.”
- Alaina Lockhart, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism and Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal
“Our funding will be used to help promote St. Martins as an important destination and as the southern gateway to the Fundy Trail Park, one of our tourism’s crown jewels. As a government, we are investing $100-million over the next eight years in order to increase tourism revenues from a $1.3-billion a year industry to a $2-billion by 2025. One of the ways in which we will achieve this is by investing strategically in the province’s marketing efforts.”
- The Honourable Bill Fraser, New Brunswick Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation
“St. Martins continues to move forward and invest in making our village a vibrant and welcoming community and entrance to the Fundy Trail. Destination St. Martins Inc. is focused on improving services and experiences in major areas of the community, including improvements to upgrade infrastructure to meet the needs of our visitors and create economic opportunity for local services. This project funding will allow the village of St. Martins to be ready to meet the needs of our visitors and allow them to have the best experience possible. We are very appreciative of the partnership and support of funding through ACOA and the Province of New Brunswick.”
- Bette Ann Chatterton, Executive Director, Destination St. Martins Inc. and Mayor of St. Martins
Contacts
Paul LeBlanc
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-452-3310
Bruce MacFarlane
Communications
Regional Development Corporation
506-444-4377
Bette Ann Chatterton
Executive Director
Destination St. Martins Inc.
506-833-4589