Digby planning to elevate regional tourism experiences
News release
Government support encourages multi-year plan focused on sector growth, season extension
August 28, 2024 · Digby, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Atlantic Canadian tourism organizations and operators are continuing to develop fresh approaches and innovative ways to grow their businesses and deliver world-class tourism experiences. The Government of Canada is investing to help communities in the Digby region expand their tourism sectors and create new opportunities for economic growth.
Preparing for growth
Today the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced a $95,000 non-repayable contribution to the Digby Area Tourism Association (DATA) to develop a destination development strategy. The announcement follows a four-day visit to southwest Nova Scotia by Minister Hutchings, where she visited numerous tourist locations, including downtown Digby, and the Point Prim Lighthouse.
This investment will help DATA develop a multi-year plan focused on increasing the region’s tourism potential, extending the visitation season and increasing experiential tourism offerings to meet evolving visitor expectations. These objectives will be met through targeted marketing and the establishment of tourism experiences designed for the off-season. DATA will also expand their knowledge of the region’s tourists in order to better support operators as they work to ensure their offerings better reflect market trends.
This announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to help communities seize new and exciting tourism opportunities that create jobs and support long-term economic growth in rural areas throughout Atlantic Canada.
Quotes
“ACOA knows that Southwest Nova Scotia has no shortage of magical tourism experiences for visitors seeking one-of-a kind vacations. With their new destination development strategy, the Digby region will be able to attract even more visitors and extend their tourism season, which means more jobs and a stronger local economy.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
"This investment in the Digby area will significantly help us grow where we need to, while strengthening our already world class offerings. We are honoured and excited to be working with ACOA, our operators, and all of the different regions that make up the Digby area. This is a big win for Southwest Nova Scotia.”
- Karen Enright, Chair, Digby Area Tourism Association
Quick facts
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Founded in 2006, the Digby Area Tourism Association has united local businesses and government to boost the region’s appeal as a top tourism destination.
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Located within the Southwest Nova UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at the edge of the Bay of Fundy, the Digby area has something for everyone, including world-class whale watching, unique architecture, authentic fishing villages, fresh seafood, local vineyards, hiking, cycling, kayaking, golfing, shopping and a range of one-of-a-kind tours.
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Le financement annoncé aujourd’hui est octroyé par l’intermédiaire du Fonds des collectivités innovatrices de l’Agence de promotion économique du Canada atlantique (APECA), qui soutient les projets qui favorisent le développement économique durable des collectivités en trouvant des possibilités de croissance et en investissant dans des initiatives qui mènent à des emplois à long terme et à une économie locale plus forte.
Associated links
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
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
782-641-6365
Doug Ralph
Tourism Development Manager
Digby Area Tourism Association
tourism@digbyarea.ca
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