Connecting Atlantic Canada’s UNESCO wonders to the world
News release
Investment supports creation of an Atlantic UNESCO Tourism Corridor led by the Fundy Biosphere Region
February 19, 2026 · Joggins, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Canadian tourism had a record-breaking year in 2025, with Atlantic Canada emerging as one of the country’s strongest performing regions. The sector is creating jobs, driving innovation, and powering economic growth across the region, and the Government of Canada is building on this momentum by investing in initiatives that strengthen and connect Atlantic Canada’s world-class attractions.
Today, Alana Hirtle, Member of Parliament for Cumberland – Colchester, announced a federal investment to establish the Atlantic Canada UNESCO Tourism Corridor ($309,500). The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
Led by the Fundy Biosphere Region, the corridor connects 13 UNESCO-designated sites across Atlantic Canada and is creating new opportunities for tourism and economic growth throughout the region. Through collaborative development, experience building, and coordinated marketing, the corridor showcases the regions’ world-class geological, cultural, and ecological destinations, while helping visitors discover authentic stories rooted in the land and the people who have shaped it.
This initiative puts Destination Canada’s Atlantic UNESCO Tourism Corridor Strategy into action by strengthening cooperation among provinces, communities, and industry partners. Together, they are advancing shared goals for sustainable tourism growth while supporting the Government of Canada’s commitment to building a stronger, more innovative economy that creates new opportunities for visitors to experience Atlantic Canada’s cultural and natural heritage.
Quotes
“Atlantic Canada’s UNESCO sites are powerful symbols of our shared story, from ancient fossils to living cultural traditions. By connecting them through this new corridor, we’re helping communities attract visitors, strengthen local economies, and showcase the natural and cultural wonders that make our region unique.”
- The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“As Atlantic Canadians, we take great pride in our UNESCO sites — places that reflect the history of this land. This new corridor helps us tell those stories to the world while supporting the local tourism operators, Indigenous communities, and organizations that make these destinations so special. By working together across the region, we’re ensuring visitors can experience the best of Atlantic Canada for generations to come.”
- Alana Hirtle, Member of Parliament for Cumberland – Colchester
“New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy is home to two extraordinary UNESCO-designated regions: the Stonehammer Geopark, stretching from Lepreau Falls to Fundy-St. Martins, and the Fundy Biosphere Region, reaching from Fundy-St. Martins to Sackville. The Atlantic Canada UNESCO Tourism Corridor Strategy presents exciting opportunities for collaboration around advancing regenerative tourism through training, leadership, capacity and communication, while supporting sustainable economic growth and strengthening communities across our regions.”
- The Honourable Isabelle Thériault, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, Government of New Brunswick
“UNESCO-designated sites across Atlantic Canada reflect the richness of our shared heritage and natural beauty. This new network enhances our ability to showcase these world-class destinations, while creating meaningful opportunities for sustainable tourism and economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador and throughout the region.”
- The Honourable Andrea Barbour, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
“UNESCO Sites - Biosphere Regions, Geoparks, and World Heritage Sites - showcase globally significant landscapes, historic places, and human and environmental communities where partners are working together to protect, learn from, and celebrate people and the planet. In Atlantic Canada, we’re modelling for the world how strong partnerships and intentional collaboration can help us achieve our shared goals for a sustainable and peaceful future.”
- Dr. Jennifer Dingman, Executive Director, Fundy Biosphere Region and Stonehammer Geopark
Quick facts
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The Atlantic UNESCO Tourism Corridor is the first initiative connecting three types of UNESCO-designated sites in Canada: Biosphere Regions, Global Geoparks and World Heritage Sites.
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The Fundy Biosphere Region, a nonprofit community organization designated by UNESCO in 2007, promotes vibrant, resilient communities through conservation and sustainable development initiatives.
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The funding announced today is provided through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
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Since 2021, the Canadian Commission for UNESCO has worked collaboratively with partners to support the development of the Atlantic UNESCO Tourism Corridor.
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The Government of New Brunswick’s Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture invested $21,000.
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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Industry, Energy and Technology invested $21,000.
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Destination Canada provided the initial investment to develop the Atlantic UNESCO Tourism Corridor Strategy and has further supported this project with an investment of $21,000.
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Contacts
Lola Dandybaeva
Manager of Media Relations
Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
lola.dandybaeva@justice.gc.ca
Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Naomi (Meed) Ani
Strategic Engagement Manager
Fundy Biosphere Region
naomi.meed@fundy-biosphere.ca
Jessica Hearn
Communications
Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture
Government of New Brunswick
Jessica.hearn@gnb.ca
Emily-Jane Gillingham
Media Relations Manager
Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
emilyjanegillingham@govl.nl.ca