Work underway to bring new tourism opportunities to Lunenburg

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Community partners develop a sustainable program to attract year-round visitors

March 22, 2024 · Lunenburg, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Tourism is key to Canada’s long-term prosperity, generating tremendous benefits for communities large and small. In Lunenburg, a new collaborative tourism approach supported by the Government of Canada will strengthen the coastal town’s abundant tourism offerings.

Strengthening tourism, STEP by STEP

Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced a non-repayable contribution of $137,000 to the Town of Lunenburg.

The town will work with a facilitator who will lead community stakeholders through ACOA’s Strategic Tourism Expansion Program (STEP) to develop a regional tourism plan. Together, they will work with businesses and community organizations to develop a community-based approach, uniquely tailored to Lunenburg’s economy, environment and culture. The plan will aim to improve hosting abilities, increase experiential tourism offerings, and extend the tourism season, giving travellers even more reasons to stay and explore this must-see destination.

The support announced today will help with the development of the plan and with implementation activities, such as engaging expertise, marketing, research and data collection, and improving tourism assets.

Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to helping communities throughout Atlantic Canada seize tourism opportunities that create jobs and support economic growth.

Quotes

“Lunenburg offers the best of both worlds: timeless beauty and rich heritage combined with fresh and exciting things to see and do. A renewed tourism plan will help more people discover Lunenburg’s unique charm, along with an enriched offering of inclusive, sustainable, and memorable experiences that will keep visitors in town longer and keep them coming back, year after year.”

-        The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“This funding announcement for the plan to boost year-round, experiential, and inclusive tourism in Lunenburg signifies a pivotal investment in the town's economic future, promising to attract visitors seeking authentic and immersive experiences. This initiative not only strengthens Lunenburg's appeal as a tourist destination but also fosters sustainable growth and prosperity for local businesses, enhancing the town's cultural and economic vibrancy.”

- Jamie Myra, Mayor of Lunenburg

Quick facts

  • In addition to being a top destination for visitors to Nova Scotia, the Town of Lunenburg is the home of the Bluenose and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has won numerous tourism accolades, including being named one of National Geographic’s “Canada’s Places of a Lifetime.” 

  • The Strategic Tourism Expansion Program (STEP) is an innovative and comprehensive process that closes experiential tourism capacity gaps that exist within Atlantic Canadian communities. Through analysis and visioning, STEP provides the tools necessary to grow dynamic travel destinations.

  • The funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Tourism Growth Program (TGP) which aims to help communities, small and medium-sized businesses, and non-profit organizations develop local tourism products and experiences that position Canada as an all-seasons destination of choice for domestic and international travellers. 

  • The Town of Lunenburg is also contributing $50,000 to this project.

Contacts

Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Michael Best
Communications Manager
Town of Lunenburg
902-521-2902
MBest@townoflunenburg.ca

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