Government of Canada Supports Destination Tourism Plan
January 24, 2015 – Sheet Harbour, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
A visionary group of volunteers, businesses and community leaders are taking innovative steps to promote the tourism potential of the Bay of Islands area along the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia—one of Nova Scotia’s best kept secrets. Destination Eastern and Northumberland Shores Association (DEANS) is kicking off mainland Nova Scotia’s first Strategic Tourism Expansion Program (STEP), thanks to support from the Government of Canada.
Developed by ACOA’s Tourism Atlantic in 2012, STEP was launched to help communities become in-demand, sustainable tourism destinations. STEP is an innovative, comprehensive process that guides citizens, businesses and community leaders through a series of well-tested, strategic "steps" aimed at creating a sustainable tourism plan that incorporates products, services and experiential tourism. It helps provide community residents and entrepreneurs with an understanding of how practical destination development occurs, about industry trends and the art and science behind experiential tourism development.
DEANS is receiving a federal contribution of $44,375, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, to undertake STEP along the Eastern Shore, from Jeddore to Sherbrooke, to advance the area as a sustainable tourism destination. A consultant specializing in creatively linking community assets will lead the STEP process by facilitating grassroots sessions that will unearth innovative tourism experiences unique to the Bay of Islands area, and will initiate the marketing and branding framework for the region.
The Bay of Islands STEP will result in a new tourism development strategy for the area, driven by community and business engagement, in collaboration with the Halifax and the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s. Halifax and the District of St. Mary’s are contributing $2,500 and $250, respectively, to the project, with local businesses* contributing a further $12,625.
Quick Facts:
- The Bay of Islands project is the first Strategic Tourism Expansion Program (STEP) to take place on mainland Nova Scotia. STEP projects have been completed in three Atlantic Canadian communities (Alma, NB; Tignish, PEI; and Souris, PEI); and are currently underway in five other communities (Twillingate, NL; Louisbourg, NS; Baddeck, NS; Dalhousie, NB; and Caraquet, NB).
- The Bay of Islands received its name from explorer Samuel de Champlain, who referenced the dense island cluster and its beauty when the New World was discovered.
- The Bay of Islands is the most ecologically unique set of islands in North America with intact forests that have been in continuous growth since the ice age.
- DEANS serves 12 municipal units within the counties of Antigonish, Guysborough, Pictou, and eastern Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). It is one of three regional tourism industry associations in Nova Scotia that are provincially recognized as a working group with the Nova Scotia Tourism Agency.
- DEANS' main objective is to develop a vibrant and sustainable region with thriving businesses, authentic communities and to make the region a year-round tourism destination.
- Following the announcement, a public information session and preliminary STEP planning workshop was held.
- Local business contributors* include: Lake Charlotte Area Heritage Society; Murphy’s Campground; Tangier Lobster; Northern Fibre; Henley House; Sheet Harbour Chamber of Commerce; Seaside Tourism and Business Development Association; Salmon River Country Inn; AquaPrime Mussel Ranch; Spry bay Campground and Cabins; Upper Lakeville Campground; Sober Island Oysters; Hook Me Up – Rug Supplies; and MacDonald, Chisholm, Trask Insurance.
Quotes:
“Our Government recognizes that a sustainable tourism industry is vital to building strong, healthy communities. Our support for the Bay of Islands STEP program will generate new opportunities and economic benefits not only for the Eastern and Northumberland Shores, but also for the entire region by building on the communities’ assets and enhancing their potential as tourism destinations.”
- Honourable Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Minister of Justice, Attorney General of Canada, and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“This announcement acknowledges the significant progress that has been made in our quest to advance the development of the Bay of Islands area of the Eastern Shore – from Jeddore to Sherbrooke – as a sustainable tourism destination. The collaboration with HRM and the District of St. Mary’s characterizes the future of tourism for our communities and our growing collective capacity to implement ambitious tourism development for our region.”
- Cindy MacKinnon, Managing Director, DEANS
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417/902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: Alex.Smith@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Cindy MacKinnon
Managing Director
Destination Eastern and Northumberland
Shores Association (DEANS)
902-752-6383
