Promoting four seasons of flavours in Nova Scotia

News release

Government of Canada contributes $277,950 to Taste of Nova Scotia in support of culinary tourism

January 10, 2019 – Masstown, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

From apples to wild blueberries, dairy to wine, and beef to seafood, Atlantic Canada’s food and beverage sector is an important contributor to the economy, generating more than $6.6 billion in revenues each year while feeding people worldwide. It is also a growing segment of Canada’s tourism sector, which creates good jobs for middle class families in big cities and small towns alike. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting the sustainable growth of food tourism in Nova Scotia.

Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, announced a $277,950 contribution from the Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program,  to Taste of Nova Scotia for a project that will help it further establish the province as a culinary destination and develop programs to extend the tourism season. Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland – Colchester, also participated in the event.

Committed to highlighting the best culinary products and experiences the province has to offer, Taste of Nova Scotia is undertaking year-round marketing and strategic planning to help draw more visitors to the region. The project includes promoting culinary tourism education sessions and leading a best practices mission to Oregon on culinary tourism product development for Nova Scotia’s food and beverage tourism operators. The organization will also increase awareness of its three culinary trails: the Good Cheer Trail, the Chowder Trail and the Lobster Trail.

This announcement takes place as Minister Joly continues the cross-country tour she began in November, meeting with local tourism and travel industry experts. Minister Joly is hosting roundtable discussions that help identify opportunities to maximize Canada’s tourism potential.

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, which supports strategic investments in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.

Quotes

“Tourism generates one in ten jobs in Canada and our government wants to work with communities - urban and rural - all over the country to harness the incredible potential in this key industry to grow their local economies by creating good jobs for middle class families. The future is bright for Canada’s tourism industry and Nova Scotia certainly has world-class attractions and unique culture to provide unforgettable experiences to visitors.”

-       The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

“Food and beverage are vital components of any tourism destination. Thanks to the continued support and growth of Taste of Nova Scotia, more visitors are able to enjoy the unique blends of local and seasonal flavours in a variety of culinary dishes with authentic Nova Scotia-derived ingredients all year long.”

-       Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester

“Nova Scotia’s culinary scene is thriving thanks to the entrepreneurs and artisans across the province who are creating and offering high-quality food and drink products and experiences. Nova Scotia’s three culinary trails help differentiate us in a unique and fun way, encouraging visitors to travel and spend throughout the province.” 

-       Geoff MacLellan, Minister of Business, Province of Nova Scotia

“Nova Scotia has a vibrant food and drink industry and offers the perfect setting as a culinary tourism destination. We have world-class seafood paired with award winning wines, craft beverages, diverse agricultural products, an endless coastline and great people. This provides a unique opportunity to tell the story of who we are and where we are from through food and drink. It’s our role to help tell this story and to create the tools necessary for visitors to source unique and memorable culinary products and experiences as they navigate their way around Nova Scotia.”

-       Emily Haynes, Executive Director, Taste of Nova Scotia

Quick facts

  • The Government of Nova Scotia is also providing a $40,500 contribution to the project through the Department of Agriculture and $30,000 through Tourism Nova Scotia.

  • Established in 1989, Taste of Nova Scotia is a membership based nonprofit association with more than 200 members across the province.

  • In the first eight months of 2018, Canada welcomed a record 14.8 million international tourists, an increase of 1.5% over the same period in 2017.

  • Tourism supports 1.8 million jobs across the country. 

  • The tourism sector directly supports more jobs than the oil and gas, mining, agriculture, auto manufacturing and aerospace industries combined.

Associated links

Contacts

Jeremy Ghio
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Tourism,
Official Languages and La Francophonie
Jeremy.Ghio@canada.ca

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

Chris Brooks
Director, Communications and Outreach                              
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
chris.brooks@canada.ca

Emily Haynes
Executive Director
Taste of Nova Scotia
902-492-9291 ext. 111
emily@tasteofnovascotia.com

Gary Andrea
Communications Nova Scotia 
902-456-6196 (cell)
andreagg@gov.ns.ca 

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