Tourism plays a key role in the Annapolis Valley and it can play a bigger role in our economy.

Nova Scotia enjoyed its best tourism year on record in 2016, generating $2.6 billion in revenue and marking the third consecutive year of growth.

Tourism plays a key role in the Annapolis Valley and it can play a bigger role in our economy.

For every $1 invested in tourism enterprises, another $3.2 is generated in the community. [1]

There are many immediate opportunities for growth in Valley tourism.

These include: extending tourism experiences and services into the shoulder seasons; developing culinary tourism; using technology to support marketing and to enhance bookings for tourism experiences and accommodation; securing a greater share of the sports tourism market; developing winter tourism experiences; and creating tourism packages for the pre-and-post conference market.

Some of these suggestions come from the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) and from Tourism Nova Scotia.

Other opportunities grow organically from the richness of the Valley, with its vineyards, wineries, craft breweries and distilleries, and its variety of coastal, cultural and recreational tourism experiences.

Where do you see opportunities for development and where do you see obstacles to be overcome?

The Valley REN would like to hear your ideas as we work in partnership with other organizations, such as the Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce Tourism Marketing Committee, to develop the tourism sector in the Annapolis Valley.

[1] Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia

Follow our new Twitter account, Opportunities Now! @ValleyREN, as we share opportunities for business growth in the Annapolis Valley.

Rachel Brighton

As research analyst for the Valley REN, Rachel Brighton brings 25 years’ experience as a journalist, editor, publisher, manager, consultant and not-for-profit director in Canada and Australia.