Outlook for season great, says YASTA executive director
YASTA representatives have attended travel shows in New England market
Having a waterfront shot of Yarmouth on the cover of the 2018 French version of the Doers & Dreamers Travel Guide is a great marketing win for Yarmouth & Acadian Shores (YASTA) and the Town of Yarmouth, says the executive director of YASTA
“This Doers & Dreamers Travel Guide is the only printed guide the province produces and is distributed through the visitor information centres and mailed to potential visitors around the world,” said Neil MacKenzie.
“First of all, you need partners who are willing to get up at 5 a.m. and paddle around until we get the shot just right.”
YASTA has worked with many of its operators to capture some great images and video over the years and MacKenzie says they couldn’t do the work they do without partners who are willing to offer their time and support to capture these images.
“Becky Cottreau with Song of the Paddle kayak tours and adventures was a great partner in making this shot happen. The local kayakers were great too. We went out in the harbour very early last September and started shooting with the photography team, with the goal of capturing an iconic image of the Town of Yarmouth. We got some great weather and, as you can see, a beautiful shot.”
The production of the image was facilitated by Tourism Nova Scotia’s Inspiring Content Program, which partners with destinations like Yarmouth & Acadian Shores and with Tourism Nova Scotia to produce inspiring digital content such as videos and photography that can be used on the province’s social media channels and on novascotia.com, as well as yarmouthandacadianshores. com and its social media channels. The content is also used in paid digital marketing. The operators featured in any photography also have rights to use the images to promote their businesses.
MacKenzie says the outlook for the upcoming season is great.
“We are seeing year-over-year growth thanks to the provincial investment in the international marine link and because of the ef- New experiences for 2018 include a new Yarmouth harbour boat tour offered throughout the week and a Savour the Sea experience that includes a Yarmouth harbour boat tour with a lobster feast. A photo of kayakers on the Yarmouth waterfront made the cover of the 2018 French version of the Doers & Dreamers Travel Guide. forts of our tourism operators to capitalize on the increased visitor traffic,” he said.
He says YASTA believes there will be another year of growth in 2018.
New experiences to be launched this year include the Acadian kitchen party experience at the Argyler lodge; a new Yarmouth harbour boat tour offered throughout the week and a Savour the Sea experience that includes a Yarmouth harbour boat tour with a lobster feast served dockside at the Yarmouth Bar.
There are also plans to develop a Savour the Sea experience at The Keepers Kitchen at Cape Forchu Lightstation.
“When we see growth in the experiences we offer visitors, we will see them stay longer and spend more in our region,” said MacKenzie.
During the winter months YASTA has been busy planning Dancers from the MacKenzie School of Dance perform alongside Yarmouth harbour. its marketing and forging strategic partnerships with operators and other marketing organizations. Representatives have also attended travel shows in the New England market, primarily in the Boston area.
“We plan on being in Portland as well. We have also been busy producing our activity guide and other marketing collateral,” said MacKenzie.