Tourism minister visits Kings County businesses, chamber of commerce

Nova Scotia’s tourism minister spent the day in Kings County March 9, and he liked what he saw.

“Since I became minister, I’ve been trying to get out to various parts of the province and visit existing businesses,” Michel Samson said.

“I see it as part of my mandate. There’s a need for our province to attract new business in order to help stimulate the economy, but we can’t forget existing businesses and the role they’re playing.”

Nova Scotia is growing, he said, and the government “wants to be a part of that continuing growth.”

During his time in Kings County, Samson paid visits to Hostess-Frito Lay, Apple Valley Foods and Scotian Gold. He also worked in a lunch meeting with the Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce.

As part of the latter, he “heard from a very enthusiastic and committed group.” The Valley, he said, “is blessed to have such committed individuals working together.”

The chamber, he said, “is committed to success. As a department, we want to be partners in that success.”

The AVCC’s message was clear, he said.

“We’re hearing they want the government to spend more on marketing, and we’re willing to do that,” Samson said.

“(The Ivany Report) called on us to double our tourism revenue, and one way to do that is to do more marketing.”

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The resumption of the ferry from Yarmouth to Maine has had an impact on tourism in the Valley, Samson added.

“That’s the message we heard from the chamber,” he added. “The resumption of ferry service has been a real factor and a real benefit.”

He said the visit with the AVCC was a highlight of the day.

“We spent an hour-and-a half having an open discussion with them. It was very positive, and the final question they asked was, how can we work with you to make the Ivany Commission report work?”

Valley a natural tourism draw

The Valley itself is a tourism draw, he said, “with its raw beauty, its history and the growth of the wine industry.”

In addition to such popular tourism destinations as Grand Pré and Oaklawn Farm Zoo, Samson said he is particularly excited about the wineries.

“They haven’t just grown in terms of their grape and wine production, but also in marketing and developing tours of their businesses, which all becomes part of the tourism industry and the local economy,” he said.

“They’re doing a fabulous job, and have been able to tap into the cruise ship market and bus tours (both in and out-of-province). It’s all part of a great success story.”