May 10, 2006
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Some of the world's most renowned cruise lines will dock at
Atlantic Canadian ports this season, and efforts to
increase cruise visits to the region will continue thanks
to funding from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(ACOA). ACOA has recently provided $298,876 in funding to the
Atlantic Canada Cruise Association (ACCA) for a two-year
marketing plan aimed at increasing industry demand."Canada's new government understands the importance of
tourism in Atlantic Canada," said the Honourable Peter
MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "That's why ACOA is
pleased to support the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association's
efforts to develop the long-term potential of the cruise
industry in our region."Cruiseship visits to Atlantic Canada have increased by 33%
since 2000, and the total economic benefit of the cruise
industry to Atlantic Canada is estimated at over $56
million annually. "This is an exciting time for cruise stakeholders in
Atlantic Canada", says ACCA Chair Cathy McGrail. "We have
worked very hard over the past nine years to promote
Atlantic Canada as a unique market for cruises. We have
made some very significant achievements and are well
positioned to build upon our accomplishments to date and
continue to grow the business in our region.Over 190 ports of call are scheduled for the 2006 season at
five major Atlantic Canadian ports. These visits are
estimated to bring in close to 550,000 passenger and crew
visitors to Atlantic Canada.
FOR BROADCAST USE ONLY:Foreign Affairs and ACOA Minister Peter MacKay announced
$298,876 in funding to the Atlantic Canada Cruise
Association for a two-year marketing plan aimed at
increasing cruiseship visits to the region. Over 190 ports
of call are scheduled at five major Atlantic Canadian ports
this season, and close to 550,000 passenger and crew are
estimated to visit the region.
Cathy McGrail, Chair
Atlantic Canada Cruise Association
Tel: 902-426-4069
Email: cmcgrail@portofhalifax.ca
Krista Kelly
ACOA PEI and Tourism
(902) 566-7569
BACKGROUNDAtlantic Canada Cruise AssociationThe Atlantic Canada Cruise Association is a partnership
between ports, tourism and cruise ship interests in each of
the four Atlantic Provinces, the Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency and Parks Canada. The association's
mission is to grow demand by marketing Atlantic Canada as a
cruise destination to travel trade, travel media and cruise
lines.
www.atlanticcanadacruise.comThe Atlantic Canada Cruise Association has launched a new
website, www.atlanticcanadacruise.com, which promotes
Atlantic Canada as a cruise destination that is "entirely
unexpected." This is done through the use of indicator
maps, rich imagery and video, port information, and links
to shore excursion experiences for visitors. Highlights for 2006 SeasonOver 190 ports of call are scheduled for the 2006 season at
five major Atlantic Canadian ports: Saint John, Halifax,
Sydney, Charlottetown, and Corner Brook. These visits are
estimated to bring in close to 550,000 passenger and crew.The 2006 season will see the return of some of the
industry's most well-known cruise lines, as well as visits
from new cruise ships to Atlantic Canada. Highlights will
include the inaugural visit of the Crystal Symphony to
Saint John, as well as visits from Cunard's Queen Mary 2 to
Saint John, Sydney, Halifax, and Corner Brook. HapagLloyd, one of the world's most luxurious and respected
cruise lines, will debut a series of Nova Scotia departures
this year with its vessel The Hanseatic.
