Digby Pines looking ahead to season start
Weddings a growth market for Digby Pines
Betrothed couples have many choices when it comes to wedding locations. Church halls and hotel facilities are a traditional option. Exchanging vows on a tropical beach is tempting alternative, but can be much more expensive for the wedding party and guests.
Digby Pines general manager Rene LeBlanc says the number of weddings at their resort, over the past few years, has grown.
“Not only our resort, but other resorts in Atlantic Canada are seeing that we have a product that bridges the gap, says LeBlanc. “You still get your guests to a resort atmosphere but it’s more of an event.”
The wedding party and relatives often arrive on a Friday night for rehearsal and celebrate the nuptials the next day.
GOOD OUTLOOK
LeBlanc says overall, the number of visitors to the Digby Pines was up last year, comparable to the increase in the province. All indicators are looking good for the 2018 season, Le- Blanc added.
Weather always plays a role in the success of the season, however. Although groups and motor coach tours are already scheduled for this year, the time span for regional traveller reservations is an increasingly shrinking window.
“It used to be five or six months out, now we are looking at five or six weeks. It’s a little harder on getting a handle on what it’s going to be like, simply because of that,” says LeBlanc.
Impending bad weather can cause cancellations, especially for those who are planning on enjoying the Pines’ 18-hole championship golf course.
THE SEASON AHEAD
The resort held interviews for positions on Jan. 10 at the Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax and is still accepting applications. There are vacancies in most departments, specifically in housekeeping and food and beverage service.
LeBlanc says there is a 40 per cent turnover annually in the sea- Weddings at the Digby growing in popularity. Pines sonal business.
“Not counting the ones we’ve already hired this year, we normally look at 40-45 people every year,” says LeBlanc.
A major event, the Maritime NHLers for Kids golf tournament, will be taking place at the Pines, July 25-26. The event was last held at the facility three years ago and rotates locations around Atlantic Canada. “We’re very proud to be hosting it this year. It raises funds for local minor hockey associations,” says LeBlanc.
The Digby Pines
May 18. opens are on